Got a notice in the mail. "Reunion of my old Army unit next month"...Good Grief...I haven't even been to my High School reunion. Why would I go to a reunion of old men I don't even remember or much less know anymore? What do they want now?
Three weeks later I'm still thinking about that reunion. Seems I remember a few of the old boys now and a few of the times we had. Still, can't see much sense in going to a reunion for it. Heck, that was twenty-eight years ago. We lost a few good men too. Why drag all that up again.
Days from that reunion I find myself thinking about how maybe I could go for a day or so. It wouldn't have to take much of my time and I could just observe a little...wouldn't hurt to look. Still, I don't think I will go to the trouble.
Found myself absentmindedly packing a few things and getting my shaving bag in order a day later. Put a stop to it when I realized what I was doing.
Woke up early and put some things in the car today. Clean shirts, socks...it'll probably take all day to drive there tomorrow...no - put it out of my mind. Why is the other half saying it would do me some good? Lot she knows about the Army.
Up early again. On the road. Why am I doing this? Reservations made for overnight. I make plans in car to drive half way and to decide about going the rest of the way when I get there. Half way there I am still undecided so I divide the distance in half again. When I am almost there I have made my decision...I will turn around at the next crossing and go back. Well, perhaps the next...maybe I will use that motel room overnight anyway. I could use a rest and a shower before hitting the road again.
Find myself calling the number listed on the reunion sheet. "Come on out", "We're looking forward to seeing you buddy." ...now what have I done?
Twenty-eight years ago our country was involved in a war in Vietnam, which was neither popular or well received by those at home. Last week our group of Veterans from that war gathered together for the first time to share in remembrance of that past event and renew old friendships. Did I find someone I knew? Yes I did, and more friends that I didn't even remember having. Was I the only one with feelings of apprehension and doubts? Absolutely not. To a man we all had those feelings.
My inner voice pushed me into going. In doing so I found renewed life, renewed purpose, and a renewed self. I found a part of myself that was missing for so long. Where I was trying to shut out the past I found love and understanding waiting to come in. I came expecting nothing and with nothing to give for I had cast away my old memories and locked up my feelings in cast iron safes. I came reluctantly and I came with reservations and doubts. I almost didn't come at all. My excuses for not going far outweighed my reasons to go. My experience was echoed by each person I met.
I had forgotten how many truly wonderful friends I had from that old unit...even now, seeing most of them for the first time.
Found myself thinking about next years reunion today. Thought about it for quite some time.