But, like many Veteran's of war, I have found it difficult to be around people. Like rings on a tree, every year is a bit more challenging. It's work, hard work! I'm good at it, but it's no longer natural. If I have to be around them, I'd rather watch them. I don't dislike them, I just dislike being around them. People are loud too.
I'd rather listen than have a dialogue. I used to love dialogue, now I love silence. My ears ring loudly to remind me of a time past - so it's never really silent in my head. Maybe that's why I dream about a mythical quite shack just off a stream.
The thought of deep motionless silence is also comforting. I don't know what changed in my life, why I don't like being around people, but It did. I'm to tired to think about why - I just accept that it changed. Thinking can be a noisy affair.
My military comrades tell me they feel the same way. When they have to go out and be social with their wives, they call it "peopling". I like that term, it's simple and meaningful. So then, I know they appreciate the grunt and node when I see them but don't loiter in conversation. Watching me walk away is as comforting as greeting me - it's nothing personal.
Good Bye, Comrades!
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My temporary relocation to Northern Virginia has taken me away from all that I enjoyed day in and day out. Yet, despite missing these things, I’ve found whole new world to explore.
Most recently, my family and I met up with some old friends at the Shenandoah River State Park for a few day of camping and sight seeing.
We were fortunate enough to spend Veteran’s Day around the river. Before before sunrise I hiked up to a popular lookout and spent a few personal minutes remembering the service men and women who served before, with and after me.
The rest of the weekend was simply icing on the cake.
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