The Veteran, part 3

When I think of that Marine and the evening we spent wandering around the Mall, I am struck at how much we had in common. We were both trying to recover from a war. His was obvious, as he had just returned from Iraq. Mine was recovering from the effects of alcoholism, eating disorder, and the suicide of my father.

We both found ourselves in very rigid circumstances which were very stifling. Yet, we both had made choices that led us to look for security and stability outside of ourselves.

For me, our brief meeting was an oasis. It allowed me to have perspective. I was stuck in me, me, me. My whole focus had been on proving myself and becoming a success in the worldly sense so that I would feel safe no matter what. I was looking for something tangible in which to place my faith. I didn't know that I was building my life and faith on sand. In time, I began to see that the answers are never outside of myself; the answers come from within.

Further, it was as if the Holy Spirit was saying, you think that the reason you are in Washington, D.C. is to begin your career in the Oil and Gas Industry, but that's not the real reason. Let go of your cheap drama, and jump into the real Drama of life: love and accept someone exactly as he is without any thought of return. Listen respectfully. Make this person believe that they matter.

Isn't that what we are all looking for really? To know we matter.

The Veteran marched in the victory parade and met me, along with some of his friends and some of mine, at a comedy club. We all laughed a lot. Every one of those Marines was respectful and honorable toward us. Maybe not all Marines behave this way, maybe these guys didn't behave this way all the time, but on that night these Marines were gentlemen. We said goodnight, and I never saw him again.

I served my six months at U.S. Marketing and Refining. I did receive a Rehire status from all of my supervisors. I respectfully declined, returned and finished college in a year and a half. Then I began a career in an industry that hadn't even existed while I was working at U.S. Marketing and Refining. I never found the security I craved in my career.

I learned a great many things about myself and about life in the short time I lived in Washington, D.C. which dramatically affected my values today. But, I believe the most important thing I did while I lived there was to look into the eyes of a returning soldier and say, "Thank you. I'm so glad you're home." And meaning it.



Thank you to all my friends who so graciously prayed for my good friend and for me last week. We are both well.