Sixty Eight Days Left
Seven thousand one hundred eighty nine days have passed since I left my sleepy town to head for Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes, IL. Filled with excitement for a life of promise, yet scared because boot camp would begin in a matter of hours. I was ready to conquer the world, yet briefly wished I would wake up from a dream and be right back in the warmth of my own bed.
Every day of boot camp a video played while we stood in line for meals at the galley. Repeatedly, I heard, "the days will drag on, but the weeks will fly by". Those words could not have been more true. The nine weeks or so spent at RTC went so quickly, but the days truly felt like some of the longest of my life. Some days brought great joy, others sorrow. On graduation day my heart was so full with pride for a job well done and an accomplishment achieved, but I was alone. No one came to see me finish. I was one of about 4 people who did not have family or friends with them that day. I cried many tears but then I decided that it was simply a symbol that would define my career. I was to do it for me, I was to do it my way.
Seven thousand one hundred eighty nine days dragged on, but 20 years of memories, opportunities, and accomplishment have flown by. I am so ready for the next phase and yet I hope the next 68 days drag on .
Every day of boot camp a video played while we stood in line for meals at the galley. Repeatedly, I heard, "the days will drag on, but the weeks will fly by". Those words could not have been more true. The nine weeks or so spent at RTC went so quickly, but the days truly felt like some of the longest of my life. Some days brought great joy, others sorrow. On graduation day my heart was so full with pride for a job well done and an accomplishment achieved, but I was alone. No one came to see me finish. I was one of about 4 people who did not have family or friends with them that day. I cried many tears but then I decided that it was simply a symbol that would define my career. I was to do it for me, I was to do it my way.
Seven thousand one hundred eighty nine days dragged on, but 20 years of memories, opportunities, and accomplishment have flown by. I am so ready for the next phase and yet I hope the next 68 days drag on .
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