One more day and I can't wait to go home, but I will miss Afghanistan horribly. I have met the best people here. A support system with every department, so far from home. The experiences we shared so like each other and a wish to go home and find good paying jobs. It was with one foot in front of the other, living one day at a time...and always the same ground hog day. The only thing to break up the day was an attack- but even then we became so complacent until faced with the enemy. I prayed every single day I was here for the soldiers that went outside the wire and for all of us inside.
I will also miss the land, so harsh and wild and so beautiful with the hope of what could be. The mountains that are black from poison dropped during the Russian assault where nothing will grow for however long, still stand majestically. The others, green with growth and wildlife and no apparent care of the war. The daylight hours empty of insects- it's even too hot for them. The shepperds as they tend their herds fearful of us 'til a quick smile and friendly wave brings us together if only for a moment. Sunrises and sunsets that are only seen on postcards. Even the experience of dust storms, so outside the box for me, that lingers with every breath that I take, even as I prepare to go home.
Leatherneck is the last base that I will make home. When I first arrived, I ran into so many people that I have known from many different bases...all together again. I never had to go through the awkward "getting to know people" phase here, in fact at one point it felt like I was a "Make a Wish" kid going to Disneyland for the last time. So it was with shock and lots of tears that many have dropped by to say good-bye. We've exchanged home information and promised to always keep in touch. I was especially touched that some of my patients came by to say farewell. And last night, I was told to meet for dinner to say good-bye to one of the docs that was moving on. Tired, I was the last in, so when I heard the yell of surprise and looked for Doc Isis and then realized the surprise was on me. Of course I cried, so touched by the care and thought of my co-workers and friends who I will really miss. The party came complete with pizza, near beer and a cake...adding on to the 10lbs the I've gained while here- who cares! I've had the best time!
I will also miss the land, so harsh and wild and so beautiful with the hope of what could be. The mountains that are black from poison dropped during the Russian assault where nothing will grow for however long, still stand majestically. The others, green with growth and wildlife and no apparent care of the war. The daylight hours empty of insects- it's even too hot for them. The shepperds as they tend their herds fearful of us 'til a quick smile and friendly wave brings us together if only for a moment. Sunrises and sunsets that are only seen on postcards. Even the experience of dust storms, so outside the box for me, that lingers with every breath that I take, even as I prepare to go home.
Leatherneck is the last base that I will make home. When I first arrived, I ran into so many people that I have known from many different bases...all together again. I never had to go through the awkward "getting to know people" phase here, in fact at one point it felt like I was a "Make a Wish" kid going to Disneyland for the last time. So it was with shock and lots of tears that many have dropped by to say good-bye. We've exchanged home information and promised to always keep in touch. I was especially touched that some of my patients came by to say farewell. And last night, I was told to meet for dinner to say good-bye to one of the docs that was moving on. Tired, I was the last in, so when I heard the yell of surprise and looked for Doc Isis and then realized the surprise was on me. Of course I cried, so touched by the care and thought of my co-workers and friends who I will really miss. The party came complete with pizza, near beer and a cake...adding on to the 10lbs the I've gained while here- who cares! I've had the best time!
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