The trip started as perfectly as I
could have hoped, being that the ticket was paid for by the army! A
short domestic flight later and I was back in Florida. It all seemed
unreal. I was starting my month of freedom at home with friends and
family. No commanders, no masaot,
no guard duty, just being a civilian.
I
would be lying if I said things weren't strange for me in the
beginning. For the first few days, simply waking up on my own with no
schedule planned for the day was an adjustment. More than that,
however, was noticing that life at home had moved on despite my
absence.
I'm
sure anyone who's ever lived overseas can relate, but it's completely
odd and slightly disconcerting to see how everyone's lives have
simply gone on without you. It was certainly awkward for me to try
and insert myself back into life at home, especially with the
knowledge that I'd soon be leaving it once more.
After
the initial shaky few days, however, I realized just how easy it was
to slide right back into the swing of things. My best friends are
still my best friends, my favorite restaurants still make my favorite
dishes the same way, my dog still shakes when it rains. Everything
was different, yet exactly the same, and I found my way back into
life at home painlessly.
A
visit to college definitely gave me a pang of nostalgia and a pesky
case of the “what ifs,” but not regrets. I often entertain
thoughts and daydreams about coming back to school, partaking full
time in the life I experienced during my trip; studying the classes
I'd like to study, partying with best friends, living on my own and
making my own decisions. The visit undoubtedly made me run through
these thoughts all over again, but never for one second have I
regretted my decision.
While
I had the time of my life living the “college experience,” it was
plainly clear to me that my obligation right now is finishing my
service, the meaningful commitment I've made to this country. College
will always be there, but it's safe to say what I'm doing right now
is a time sensitive, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Time
was also made on my trip for family and friends at home, as well as
an unbelievable vacation cruise to Mexico. This was the complete
opposite of the army and was everything I needed to reset myself
before coming back and jumping right back into the grind that is my
combat service.
My
only regret from my month off was not maximizing my time to see
everyone and do everything as planned during my ten months in the
army. So I took a couple of vacation days to sit at home and do
absolutely nothing, who can blame me?
In
true closing cliché fashion, all things good must come to an end.
Before I knew it, I was sitting on the flight back to Tel Aviv. While
I had expected it to be an upsetting flight, I actually came back
with excitement and a bit of a spring in my step. I came back excited
to see friends and resume my life (even the army). Most exciting,
however, was the massive news that my mother would be arriving the
following day, after making the huge decision to live in Israel,
something I'll touch upon extensively in the next post.
The
month off afforded to lone soldiers is simply indescribable. It's
both desperately needed and entirely earned. I am constantly amazed
at the rights afforded to those who give up their lives at home to
serve the army. These are the things that keep us going.
Until
next time!
-Brett
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