May Day!

I sign a lease on May 1st. I will be at 2510 N Clarkson St, #906 here in Fremont. I found it fitting to start my new life on this date. I won’t rest until I have answers and justice for my mother, a DTE employee who assisted line crews and myself, a disabled bookkeeper who worked with small to medium sized businesses. I do it for my father, a Vietnam veteran and forklift operator for Kroger and for our beloved country.

As my daddy was dying, he knew the rough and bleak road that lay ahead. We spoke about it honestly as we always did with few tears, only duty and honor. My orders were to protect myself and my mother until she died of her Alzheimer’s. I told him that I understood completely. I was his brave, little soldier. I wouldn’t dishonor my oath.

He told me to get his revolver and shotgun. He asked that I just follow orders for once. It was the only time that I didn’t question him. I quickly obeyed. I had just enlisted. Obey all legal orders without question.

Yes, Sir!

We spent hours going over the weapons. It was my own private bootcamp. I loaded and unloaded; safety on and safety off. I squeezed the trigger while it was unloaded. (We were inside and bullets are expensive.) Daddy explained the feel of the kickback and how to compensate for it and my disability.

When I felt like I was comfortable with the movements and use of the guns, I got his cleaning supplies and asked him to show me how to clean them. (I knew better than to have a filthy weapon.) He laughed through his exhaustion at my enthusiasm. He told me that if I ever needed to clean them, I could surely figure it out or ask someone. We all hoped that I’d never have to use them but the future was uncertain.

After the American flag was presented to my mother and the active duty service members left, my mom and two of his friends, fellow veterans fired off seven rounds for daddy. The vets sat with me, the newest recruit. I showed off my knowledge and skills as they helped guide me along with the same tips and tricks as daddy. I went through the battle plans once more as they wished me well. It wasn’t a mission that I’d come back from but I would die with honor just like daddy did.

I certainly didn’t die with honor. I most assuredly wanted to die but I am somehow alive and thriving. My memory has improved tremendously. There are still some gaps in certain areas of knowledge and very few in my life story. My short and long term memory as well as my processing speed are still improving although fairly normal. The flashbacks are easing and recognizable but will always be with me. I am able to walk well over a mile and rapidly improving. It’s a miracle.

It means that my mission isn’t over yet though. I must continue to fight for my mother’s murderers and our traffickers to be brought to justice and punished for their crimes against humanity. This is the only honorable thing to do. The war is still raging. My best friend and comrade died on the battlefield. My men are prisoners of war and missing in action. I have to bring them home; defeat the enemy and end this pointless war.

I’m reupping!

I’m a brave American soldier. We fight for freedom for all, especially on the home front because

Every life matters, especially yours.

God bless Nebraska and especially Her people.