When I’m back. (double digits baby!) there is a chance, a micro-chance, that I am going to act a little wonky, nay, insensitive to my surroundings. So let’s crack our knuckles and get started.
I am sorry I am in a hurry: We have two speeds here in Afghanistan: wait and hurry. My job is about 98% wait and 2% hurry. But when I need to get somewhere, I will want to get there now. I was like this before and I’m afraid it’s been quite enhanced.
I am sorry I am just sitting here doing nothing: I’m not really. I’m just thankful where I am.
I am sorry I cannot go shopping anymore: That, I’m afraid, has been cut from my heart. If I need something, I just order it online and wait. I can’t go to a mall; I can’t browse. I just can’t. I’m sorry. I’ll wait in the car.
I am sorry that I am not listening: I might drift back here. I might wonder about my soldiers and how they are doing. Just squeeze my shoulder or say, “Come back, Ryan.” I don’t mean to drift—trust me. I’m trying to leave the least of me here.
I am sorry that I will interrupt your friend about Afghanistan: If someone wants to talk to me about their opinion about drones and soldiers being here, and they come off all—haughty and dumb—this is my reply: “Name three cities in Afghanistan.” You don’t know them? Let’s move on to 3 Broke Girls. I bet you know about that.
I am sorry that I say “sir ” and “ma‘am” all the time. Habit. It will take awhile to snap that one off.
I am sorry that I won’t talk about it sometimes: I might have to put a limit on how many times a day I can say “Afghanistan.” I just don’t want it to overwhelm the dish, like bacon can. You know, that’s a bad example. Like garlic….well, ok, let’s go with garlic.
And I’m sorry I will talk a lot about it, too much, actually. And I’m sorry I was gone so long.
3 Comments
Tears starting at 4th point. And you can call me ma’am if I can call you sir.
Number 4 hit me in the gut. And the enlisted man in me still doesn’t like being called “sir,” by, like, ANYbody. But go ahead and talk about it as much as you need to. This is what you’re living it for. Love you, Ryan.
Yeah, it’s going to be a rough transition. Hope people like crying and hugging.