I grew up in Michigan, so prior to this job, I had no frame of reference for this post. However, after almost 9 months, I feel like I can comment. While in the Navy, I had friends who were stationed in Hawaii. I used to be very envious and told them what a great tour that must have been. People pay big bucks to vacation there, and the Navy sent them and paid them while they were there!
Every single of one of them (that were not born there) said how much they could not stand it after about six months. I asked why, and they all said "island fever." You can not drive anywhere, you see the same scenery, there is not much to do, etc. I would say "you can go the beach" and they all said that after six months, boring! I asked them that what was the difference with the mainland? All I did was drive to work, drive home, etc. It is not like I went somewhere else constantly. And their response? Yeah, but you COULD if you wanted to. On an island, you are stuck.
The same thought struck me the other day while I was driving (at 12 mph) to work. I think I would kill to see or do something different. Just to have the opportunity to drive somewhere, anywhere other than this "island" I am stuck on!
You all know the feeling: Just get in your car and go. Not many of us do (family, job, MONEY etc keep us from doing it) but you know you CAN if you want to. I can't. Well, actually I can drive off base, the Army will just wave, but I will undoubtedly regret it once I get a few klicks (kilometers) away (Kandahar city ain't that far!)
One of my guys built a "crow's nest" over one of the connexes I use for a fence around my area, and when I asked why (he has been over here for about 5 years) and he said, "so I can see something different." Now mind you, it's not like it is some lush garden just outside the fence! It is just as hot and dusty, with nothing worth looking at outside as there is inside, but it is "different." I attached a couple of pics, one of the crow's nest and one of view from the crow's nest.
I did not "get it" when he built it.
I get it now.
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5 comments:
The crow's nest was very creative.
Isn't Afghanistan your second island? When you were in the Navy and out to sea for months, was the ship your island? Did you ever climb the crow's nest for a different view?
Yes, the guy who built it did a great job!
True, I guess I did live on an "island' while I was on a ship but we did pull into port once in a while so I got a chance to get off the island, even if it was only for a few hours!
Thanks for commenting
Bingo bingo. Again, you nailed it. You said what we all think. I couldn't remember if i was reading or thinking when i was reding (or was i thinking it hahaha lol lmao) your message. It really hits home. Avery day I sit home and think about doing something but i never do. I just keep sitting still, but you say that it's still freedom cuz ai could do something. At any monemt I can get up and get out. I can go far and close. Even if it's milk from the fridge...haha lmao. well, i gotta go. Or maybe i'll just sit here. Either way I am free and will not take it for granted.
Your silence is deafening. For some reason today I struggled to remember your name. I remembered your face, your kindness, your attitude and your strength. I remembered wanting to be where you are and I remembered being scared to be there too. I thought maybe I could do what you have done, but then I knew better. God be with you and all around you.
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