So yesterday was my birthday, the big 4-0…can’t honestly see what all the fuss is about. A few people have asked me if I am doing anything special for this “milestone”. A few years ago I helped two guys celebrate their thirtieth birthdays by trotting around Spain for 10 days. It was a great trip and I met some fantastic, life-long friends but I just can’t see the point in celebrating the birthdays that end in “0″ more so than every other year.
I suppose I should be starting a mid-life crisis but I don’t feel that I’ve missed out on anything. I married the right woman which is probably half the battle. I already own a motorcycle. Who needs a sports car in this city. Samantha and I will visit half a dozen countries in the next four months. I have a job I love….so I’m going to postpone the crisis for a bit.
Being far from home and family is the only downside to the life we lead but if it’s any consolation to the folks back home, I’m in really good hands. When my team found out it was my birthday they cooked me a special dinner, bought me a bottle of scotch and gave me the nicest card I have ever received. When I got to my friend’s house there was a card and a second bottle of scotch waiting on my pillow. When I finally got home Samantha had a bottle of scotch and a couple of cigars waiting for me.
Tomorrow we’re having dinner with a great bunch of English folks (treating them to American ribs and southern fried chicken) So….life is good!
The past forty years have been filled with adventure and heartache. I regret the people I hurt along the way and I am thankful for the ones who stuck by me during the rough patches. I thank my parents, step-parents, sibling and step-siblings for helping me become the man I am today.
Lastly, I’d like to thank the men and women in uniform I have had the privilege of serving with over the past twenty years. Every day I stand in awe of your sacrifice, dedication, and selfless service. You are my heroes and the stories I tell will remember your greatness.
Cheers,
John (Sgt Budde, LT, XO, SWO, El Capitan)
