Looking Back

35 years ago on this day I fulfilled a decision that changed my life and set me on the path toward my husband. Didn’t know that’s what I was doing at the time, but it’s what happened.

Granted, the actual decision was accomplished six months earlier. Not sure of the exact date. I only know it was sometime around my 18th birthday.

So, 35 years ago yesterday, my parents drove me down to Los Angeles, California and on the following day I was sworn into the United States Army. It was a decision I never really regretted (since I did re-enlist – which probably would be the real decision that led me to that path toward my husband, since I hadn’t met him yet!), except for maybe during the vacation they put me on between basic/individual training and my first duty assignment. I kind of wondered what I got myself into during that time, but I quickly got over it. What choice did I have?

While I was only in for about six years, I sometimes wonder what I’d be doing if I didn’t join the Army. Would I have gone to college (I did eventually), gotten married, had kids? I don’t think I would have. I think I would have been too scared to go out into the world! Because I was scared. Of everything! How I ever got the courage to join the Army I’ll never… Oh yeah, now I remember. I was joining with a friend. She, however, couldn’t go through with it.

So, thank you U.S. Army, for the life I have. Because I don’t think I’d want it any other way!