A Veteran's Journey

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end)

1. Who said, “’Old Age’ is defined when you finally know everything, but you start to forget everything you know.”?
2. In what movie (and who said it) did we hear the following? “Three things to remember when you get older: never pass up a bathroom, never waste a hard-on, and never trust a fart.”
3. In what song (and who sang it) did we hear the following?
   I’ve long since retired and my son’s moved away
   I called him up just the other day
   I said, I’d like to see you if you don’t mind
   He said, I’d love to, dad, if I could find the time
   You see, my new job’s a hassle, and the kids have the flu
   But it’s sure nice talking to you, dad
   It’s been sure nice talking to you

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I started this weekly blog, “A Veteran’s Journey,” last year on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2019. Today marks my 50th post. Wow—where has the time gone?

Most of the time, I post on Tuesday mornings. Periodically, I’ll throw in an extra blog, depending on the day and the “occasion.”

I normally write about my Navy days (1973-1977), but sometimes I’ll write about my dad’s World War II experiences. He fought in Europe with Patton’s Third Army (80th Infantry Division). I wrote a book based on his diary: “You Can’t Get Much Closer Than This: Combat with the 80^th ‘Blue Ridge’ Division in WWII Europe.”

At this point in my life, blogging is a way for me to continue writing and to keep my sanity.

I’ve received lots of comments (mostly positive, thank you), and because of these comments, several readers have reconnected with other shipmates and veterans from their past. That’s been a surprising reward—that and I, myself, connecting with other shipmates through social media. Yes, there is some good in social media.

And oh yeah, I also blog a “Navy Friday Funny” — something to end the week on a lighter note.

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“Freedom…”

There was that time in the late 60s & early 70s when I was a teenager and I couldn’t wait to leave home. Then, when I left, I quickly realized what it meant to be out on my own: responsible, accountable, and… a bit anxious.

Yeah, you remember those first few months of “freedom,” don’t you?

I left home after graduating from Gainesville High School (Class of ’72 – Go Canes!). I was 17 years old when I “first” went off to college—Florida State University, about a 2-hour drive from my hometown, Gainesville. It was my first time away from home and while I thought I was ready, I found out that I really wasn’t.

I lasted for three quarters. My G.P.A. was a solid 0.7 (no, that’s not a typo).

I was into anything that wasn’t school-related, other than scuba diving. Yes, FSU had a scuba diving course as part of its Physical Education program (my one and only “A”). In my short freshman year, my declared “major” changed from Biology (why not?) to Marine Biology (scuba diving-related) to Physical Education (much easier).

But with a 0.7 GPA, FSU sent a letter along with my grades, “Dismissed for academic reasons.”

“Saved” by the Navy

I was still living in Tallahassee when my parents got the same letter the same day… that was an interesting telephone conversation.

Dad: “Son. We got your grades in the mail today.”
Me: “Yeah. I didn’t do so well.”
Dad: “We probably need to talk about it.”
Me: “I joined the Navy.”
Mom & Dad: “What???”

As I’ve looked back many times over the years, I can easily claim that getting kicked out of FSU was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It jump-started me into maturity and to join the Navy.  

Anyone else have that type of experience? If you’re a veteran, why did you join?

After flunking out of FSU, I enlisted in the United States Navy, signing on the dotted line (“Press hard, the third copy is yours.”) for a four-year commitment. I chose my rating to be an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate-Handler. My two duty stations were NAS Agana, Guam and the USS Kitty Hawk, CV-63 (an aircraft carrier).

I’ve blogged many times about both duty stations.

Where has the time gone?

But now that I’m retired (I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up), I look back on my various “careers” (or “journeys,” as I like to call them), and wonder… where has the time gone?

Some things I seem to remember with acute accuracy. But there are other times when my wife has to correct my “acute memory.”

Does anyone else experience that?

Relativity-ly speaking…

There’s a line in the movie, “Deep Blue Sea” (1999), where “Preacher” (the cook, LL Cool J) explains to the physicist with two PhDs, “Tom Scoggins” (Michael Rapaport) his own theory of relativity.

“Einstein’s theory of relativity. Grab hold of a hot pan, a second can seem like an hour. Put your hands on a hot woman, an hour can seem like a second. It’s all relative.”

I’ve had similar experiences many times. I’m sure you have, too.

During our 4-hour shift on the “Alert Spot” at NAS Agana, Guam, I had to constantly look for things to keep me awake and alert, especially while on the 1200-0400 “O’ Dark Hundred” watch.

There were 4 or 5 of us in the crash truck parked between two active parallel runways. NAS Agana, Guam also served as the airport for commercial airlines. Sometimes, we had some interesting & philosophical conversations, sometimes I’d read, and sometimes we played board games (though books, cards, & games were “not allowed” while on the Alert Spot <grin>).

But those four hours always seemed to drag. Sure, we could get out of the truck and walk around, but we had to remain close by in case of… you know… an aircraft crash. Being out on the Alert Spot meant we’d be the first to respond and the first to arrive.

Then there were those times when we had an actual aircraft emergency. I’m thankful that I never experienced an aircraft crash during my 15 months on Guam (’73-77). But I know others that did.

We certainly had our share of aircraft emergencies, both those that were radioed in ahead of time as well as spotting an aircraft land so hard it blew out a tire (that was fun).

But during those types of emergencies, time flew by so fast that hours seemed like minutes.

Relativity.

The Next Journey(s)

Fast forward to a few years after the Navy, out of college, married and now a working stiff. I know I’m not alone here.

You’re building your career and in a new place (for us, Seattle) and loving the new environment (work and Pacific Northwest). Time flies by for both you and your wife.

Fast forward again to when your child (or in our case, kids) are born. You’re now working “split shifts.”

Yes, I can still remember those “working” nights after a full day of work, staying up with the young’uns to help calm them down after an upset tummy or a bad dream. Some nights seemed to drag on so long that I wondered if morning would ever show up.

Then they start school, then sports, then music, scouts, and other non-school-related activities. Time is flying by so fast. You learn the magic of being in multiple places at the same time and hopefully, keep track of the kids’ (and your own) schedules.

Then, the kids graduate from high school, move out of the house, and head off to college. That was… tough.

Our daughter is the oldest and the first “out the door.” She wanted to experience a small, liberal arts college outside of sunny & warm Florida and ended up in the frozen tundra of St. Paul, Minnesota (Macalester College).

Our son is two years younger and attended a private college here in Florida (Full Sail University).

Somewhere down the line (where did the time go?), they both graduated and are now full-time working professionals. She’s a professor at Case Western University (Classical Studies) in Cleveland, and he’s a UX/UI (User Experience/User Interface; I had to look that one up) game designer in San Diego.

Where did the time go? It seems like only yesterday…

Death is Part of Life’s Journey

My parents left this worldly place way too young. My dad fought hard for a year before he succumbed to cancer at age 68. I thank the good Lord that he was never in pain and that we could be here in Gainesville with him during his last year (1989). He was my hero.

Several years after my dad died, my mom also battled cancer for a year. She was only 72. I thank the good Lord that she was never in pain and that we were here in Gainesville with her during that time (1998). She was also my rock.

But during those days of visiting in the hospital and spending time with them (together and individually) at home, there were some days when I’d sit with them and… minutes seemed like hours.

That was many years ago, but I can remember a lot of those special “moments” we had together during their last days on earth. I still talk to them almost every day. I know they hear me. I’ve also learned to listen, and honestly, now and then, I know that they “speak” to me.

Anyone else?

Ending on a lighter note…

My wife recently found a new “definition” of life as you get older. She likened it to a roll of toilet paper. Stay with me here…

“When you first break out a new roll of toilet paper, it unravels slowly. But as you near the end of the roll, it seems to unravel much faster. Sort of like how time seems to fly when you get older.”

Where has the time gone? It’s all relative…

Stay safe, my friends.

Until we meet again,
Andy

Andy Adkins is a US Navy veteran (’73-77) and the author of several books. His newest novel, NEVER FORGET, is the story of A Vietnam Veteran’s Journey for Redemption & Forgiveness. NEVER FORGET is FREE (eBook, PDF) for all veterans. Download your FREE copy HERE.

Answers

1. Mr. Anonymous.
2. The Bucket List (2007), Edward (Jack Nicholson).
3. Cat’s in the Cradle (1977), Harry Chapin; written by Sandy Chapin, Harry Chapin.