So many metaphors can be written about the adventures and
journeys of an old pair of shoes. Others about their comfort and reliability. I
could talk about replacing those warn-out shoes with new ones like a new chapter
in life, but even I am not that cheesy.
What I will say is that I know that my life these past five
years has had some serious ups and downs. There have been times in which I felt
completely alone and other times when I wanted to be alone. But I never truly
was ever alone. Friends and family have always been just phone call, text, or
email away.
Someday I will be thankful for this time of my life.
One lesson I have learned the hard way is to reach out to
check in with friends and family. Am I good at this? Nope. Am I trying? Yup.
This month has seen the largest mass shooting of my
generation on US soil. People who were celebrating life with friends in what was supposed
to be a safe place will never get the chance to share their tomorrow with the world. I do not ask you
to call senators or your representative, I leave that to others to politicize
this tragedy. I do ask that you check in on those you care about. A simple
smile, a quick hello can mean the world to someone who is struggling.
It takes just a moment.
Even one life is too many
to lose.
While we should do this daily, I encourage you on the 22nd of
every month to call and check your battle buddy. Military or not, we deserve to
see each other tomorrow.
#twloha
Crisis Text Line 741-741
- a safe place to talk
via text with a counselor when you can't or are afraid to use your voice
