As a lot of you know, I'm on my way to VA Beach in a few weeks, right after the New Year. This affords me the opportunity to finally get to play with the big boys on important issues, it lands me right by where I first lost my virginity, and puts me right on the beach in my off hours. Most importantly, it puts me near family. This will be the last Christmas I spend alone for awhile.
I don't complain. I chose the life and am grateful for the opportunity to do what I do for you. On at least two occasions, I have spent Christmas Eve on a dry cot in the same room as 50 men I never met before, and one of them on a cold hard floor in a place I cannot identify for security purposes. In between, I was simply by myself.
Sometimes I had a box to open that came in the mail or something. Usually its just checks in the mail. Somehow the bank always finds a way to throw me into the negative hundreds right around this time too, so I can't even send gifts back. I just become distant from my local world.
I've received a lot of sad face messages from people who found out I am spending my 7th consecutive Christmas away from my family. The only way to reply to everyone and any future ones is to post this blog. My holiday spirit lives in each and every one of you. I spend these days alone so that you may spend them together, and not watching a family member get beheaded on the evening news.
Enjoy your holidays with those you care about. Do it for me, because that's why I am doing what I am doing. Through your happiness I find my own. Smile, laugh, have fun, an sleep safe. Knowing you're out there and doing that because of efforts of those like me is way more than I need to be content.
If that's not enough for some of you, keep in mind I will be able to see my family next year.
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year. All is secure on this front.
