Saying Goodbye to the Motherland

So I'm nearing the end of my leave, and I'm waiting to hear from the navy to see exactly when and where I'm flying out of the states to Japan. Yes, I'm very excited, but of course I have some reservations about what lays ahead of me.

I've come to boil down my existance in the military. In the most basic of theories to justify such a huge shift in my life is A) I serve at the pleasure of the President and B) It's comforting knowing I never had a choice. No one was messing around when they told me I signed a contract and that I am literally property of the federal government. I will honor this contract and commitment to this country in serving it from all enemies both foreign and domestic to the fullest of my abilities, but as of this day the navy is something I do not want to do as a career.

That said, the navy has done nothing but open up doors of opportunity. It has given me avenues I never would have thought been possible, especially for a 21 year old college drop-out. There will be so much I'm going to miss. Everything from my mother's almost daily phone conversations to the relationships I have come to love.

Since graduating pharmacy technician school at the Navy School of Health Sciences in Portsmouth, VA I came home on leave when the circus began. Visiting home is great and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, but actually relaxing does not exist. Everyday I was either traveling or planning some kind of next mini-adventure in the realm my 12 day stint back home in Wisconsin.

Probably the most radical thing I did was visit my friend Jenna in Mankato, MN. Was it the smartest, most time efficient decision? No, of course not, but it was certainly worth it. There are some people you just don't want to let go of, and Jenna is on the short list of those who qualify.

Green Bay was just crazy. Enough beer to kill a small horse was consumed into my system, and the hugs were as tight and long as they have ever been. I was so lucky to have Andy and Father be able to make the trips from their respected new homes to Green Bay to share one last weekend as a group. If only Rich was here we'd have a dream come true. I love my boys, all of them.

A big shout out goes to Lynn in China! Her and I have had incredible discussions about living overseas and how it not only affects ourselves, but the world around us.

There are so many people I want to mention and share my story about my visit with them, but there isn't possibly enough space. My visit with Alicia was probably my most fulfilling, dinner with my godparents are insane, I got to see my hippie one last time, some of the Seymour girls were seen again, Sarah was a frequent visitor, and I took Grandma to church one last time. One last movie night with a good beer with my uncle Gordie was just one more topping to an awesome cake.

Not sure when I'll post again. Probably when I land in Japan in my first night or two. Thank you everyone for a very special leave.