As I roll over my whole body aches from yesterdays training. I am about to complain until I remember those that don’t have legs to ache. I make a solid oath to myself that from here on out, I will always choose movement over simply watching life pass me by. There is always time for rest once in the grave as Conan once said.
The morning dew runs down my neck as I brush the branches that have covered me from the nights wind. I should have looked before I sat up. At least I stuffed my socks in my boots and they are not full of dew.
My protein powder is pulled out of my rucksack and is full of little holes. Somewhere out there is a really buff squirrel. I thought the zip lock was a smart idea. Next time I ‘ll duct tape it or something.
It doesn’t seem to matter how far out in the middle of nowhere we are, they always manage to make scrabbled eggs and coffee. It’s a heck of a lot more than the average bum downtown gets every day. I’m thankful. Slightly cold and very damp, but thankful none the same.
The best part of the day is when that morning sun climbs higher in the sky and starts to burn off the damp fog and dry the soggy grass. My combat boots start to feel lighter as the mud dries out and stops making snowshoes out of my every step. One step and one kick to shake of the sticky stuff. The birds are happy too, because they are singing their little hearts out.
Walking out of the woods and into the clearing, I see the sunlight bounce of all the ATV’s. The soldiers, my friends are firing the beasts up and filling the morning air with the smell of diesel. I am stopped in my tracks and for some reason, this is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
-Ray Burton
[tags]soldier story, soldier memories, Ray Burton[/tags]
