My deepest thanks to flameboi, Gail and mzgator. My parents are 75 and 78; my dad still works parttime as he says it keeps him young. He does not look his age at all and is in great health. Mom’s health is not so good. Yes, there are some savings and SSS but no pension. Yes, there are two siblings, yet they do not seem to be concerned or in their defense, as concerned as I am. Yes, I feel the responsibility should be shared between all three of us, and they will have to live with their mindsets and the state of their hearts. I believe it’s what we do for others that matters the most while we are here on Earth.
I would do anything for my parents, and I can do anything anywhere for 3 months. That’s the rotation schedule. I’ll be on a computer the entire time I’m there and I’m not allowed off the base, else I would be fired for “being stupid” the VP said.
The VP’s daughter-in-law is over there now. I asked him, “Do you love your daughter-in-law?” and he said “yes” and I said, “That’s good enough for me.”
I have a son, 23, in his last year of college. He was just home this weekend. Now that was a tearful goodbye, but we both realize that when it’s our time, it’s our time, no matter if we’re on I-75, US 41 or in Iraq. However, I will live to see my grandchildren. I do look forward to being in that ancient biblical place for Christmas. And I’m considering my options for settling offshore after my second rotation. I’m thinking the Bahamas as Nassau is only a 45 minute flight from Lauderdale. And I will wear my helmet and remember to duck!