- Zoom
- 02/29 - 7:21am
Two Goodbyes in One Day
Today brings to me the close of not only Whiskerino, but also the official ending of my military life. Eight years ago, today, I officially enlisted into the Air Force, an institution that I never dreamed, or wished, that I would be apart of. How did, then, find myself enjoying my 21st birthday in basic training, you may be asking yourself. It’s a story I’ve told several times, but I thought maybe it is appropriate to share this story once more.
The new millennium rang in for me in the Everglades, surrounded by 85,000 hippies/ pseudo-hippies. I saw Phish that night play an amazing 8 hour set, ending with the rising sun. This time in my life was about exploration for the sake of exploration. I was a Jr., enrolled at the University of Alabama, and was burnt out. When I returned to my apartment, I found it relatively empty, without furniture, without instruments, without stereo, and with a note from my family explaining that I had been “moved home”. “Home” was in rural Alabama, 2 hours North of Tuscaloosa, Sulligent. After a month of arguments and sobriety I decided that I needed to leave behind this life.
It was around 5 or 6 p.m., I believe, when I realized that it was my 21st birthday. I kept it to myself. I began to think that I had made the greatest mistake of my life. I tried to imagine the day when I would be free of the Air Force, but really couldn’t. Eight years seemed something like a lifetime, or at least the remainder of my youth. I thought about all of the mistakes I had made, which lead me to where I was, isolated from everyone I’ve ever known.
Eventually, I began to realize that I had finally made a decent decision. I had found some discipline that allowed me to follow through with my good intensions. I found myself once again enrolled in school, but actually studying. I became an avid reader. Before I enlisted I had only read a handful of books. I began writing fiction and music. I found that I didn’t need a myriad of psycho stimulants and hallucinogenics to lose my ego. I was able to discover myself while I created myself.
Now, eight years later I realize that I’m much better for the years I spent in the military. I also realize that I was very fortunate during my tenure. I spent the majority of my active duty perched 4 flights high in a massive building which overlooked the Atlantic Ocean through a 300 foot wide window. This time also helped me become mature enough to be able to connect with the love of my life, my wife. I met her a few months after returning to Alabama. We fell in love immediately and married 9 months later. Now it is she that is helping me grow. And unlike the institution of the Air Force, I’ve never wanted to stray from her. I love you Littles.
Whiskerino was a great experience. Thanks, to everyone for making it what it is.
Today brings to me the close of not only Whiskerino, but also the official ending of my military life. Eight years ago, today, I officially enlisted into the Air Force, an institution that I never dreamed, or wished, that I would be apart of. How did, then, find myself enjoying my 21st birthday in basic training, you may be asking yourself. It’s a story I’ve told several times, but I thought maybe it is appropriate to share this story once more.
The new millennium rang in for me in the Everglades, surrounded by 85,000 hippies/ pseudo-hippies. I saw Phish that night play an amazing 8 hour set, ending with the rising sun. This time in my life was about exploration for the sake of exploration. I was a Jr., enrolled at the University of Alabama, and was burnt out. When I returned to my apartment, I found it relatively empty, without furniture, without instruments, without stereo, and with a note from my family explaining that I had been “moved home”. “Home” was in rural Alabama, 2 hours North of Tuscaloosa, Sulligent. After a month of arguments and sobriety I decided that I needed to leave behind this life.
It was around 5 or 6 p.m., I believe, when I realized that it was my 21st birthday. I kept it to myself. I began to think that I had made the greatest mistake of my life. I tried to imagine the day when I would be free of the Air Force, but really couldn’t. Eight years seemed something like a lifetime, or at least the remainder of my youth. I thought about all of the mistakes I had made, which lead me to where I was, isolated from everyone I’ve ever known.
Eventually, I began to realize that I had finally made a decent decision. I had found some discipline that allowed me to follow through with my good intensions. I found myself once again enrolled in school, but actually studying. I became an avid reader. Before I enlisted I had only read a handful of books. I began writing fiction and music. I found that I didn’t need a myriad of psycho stimulants and hallucinogenics to lose my ego. I was able to discover myself while I created myself.
Now, eight years later I realize that I’m much better for the years I spent in the military. I also realize that I was very fortunate during my tenure. I spent the majority of my active duty perched 4 flights high in a massive building which overlooked the Atlantic Ocean through a 300 foot wide window. This time also helped me become mature enough to be able to connect with the love of my life, my wife. I met her a few months after returning to Alabama. We fell in love immediately and married 9 months later. Now it is she that is helping me grow. And unlike the institution of the Air Force, I’ve never wanted to stray from her. I love you Littles.
Whiskerino was a great experience. Thanks, to everyone for making it what it is.
