Life Goes On

Things just keep changing. People leave, new friends appear, policies get re-written, goals change, minds change...

I've met some people online over the past few weeks who were very interesting to talk to. I believe that the saying is true that every person comes into your life for a reason. I learned something from a couple of them, then we never talked again, but they were profound lessons. I have had ongoing conversations that have been very deep and stimulating. I'm looking forward to new friendships.

I have watched some good movies, seen some great music videos and have started studying for one of my certificates. All in all, life has been interesting.

I'm still carrying my cane to work with me, I haven't used it much on the way TO work, but after sitting at my desk for the majority of the 12 hour shift that I work, I tend to get a little stiff, and it helps to have the cane to walk home with. By the time I make it halfway home, I can carry it again. Pretty soon it will be stored away in a corner and I'll be free of the "cruth" I have been using. I wonder what other "crutches" I need to put in the corner.

Wonderful things are going on at home. There is a true sense of family and it's something I am truly happy about. So often I wish I could be with them, be part of a real home. I just realized I have been back here for very nearly five months already. One more month and ten days and it will have been six months since I left to come back here. Half of my contract will be up. I'm seeing more of the old crowd coming back. Some military, some civilian. All acquaintances, but good to see. I have a few friends here. But I don't want to try to guess the future of those friendships. I still keep in touch with a few people from the past years, but it is not often, and it is just to say hi and let them know they haven't been forgotten. But even some of them have dropped out of my radar. No responses. I can only say... it was great while it lasted, I hope that all is well for you and that you are safe and happy, somewhere.

But there are the ones I know I'll never lose. There is a bond. A friendship that no matter how long since the last time we talked, the feelings of the friendship we had will always be there. I know I have friends distributed all over. I know that if I contacted them and asked if I could stop by because I was near them, they would make time for me and probably give me food and a place to rest my head. It's a beautiful thing to know there are relationships that will always be that special. My time here in Iraq has been special. I don't know how much longer I'll be here, but I know it has been worth everything I have gone through to have had this opportunity.

Yes... Life goes on. And I'm going on with it. As a special person told me recently, "In the words of Doris Day 'Whatever will be will be, the future's not ours to see. Que sera, sera.'"

So roll with it. Stress gets you no where. Enjoy what you have while you have it, make the most of each day and always remember "Life is too short for drama and petty things, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly."