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| Private Ronald Tipton - 1960 |
Yesterday I posted that I was taking a hiatus from blogging. I changed my mind. Writing is my therapy so I have to continue to write.
My neighbor Barbara's death, even though it was expected, hit me harder than I thought it would. No longer can I stop over and visit with her, talking about whatever, usually about neighborhood gossip, which was always in a good natured way and fun and we both knew it. She was curious about "the gay lifestyle". We had many interesting conversations about that subject of which I may write about later. But today's date, January 27th, is a date that is embedded in my mind forever. January 27th was the day I joined the Army. One of the most momentous dates in my life.
Sixty years ago I was a scared eighteen year old taking a train to Philadelphia to catch a bus to Ft. Dix New Jersey for eight weeks of Army Basic Training. I was leaving my old, sheltered word behind and entering the Unknown.
I won't go into all the details of those eight weeks (which I still remember vividly) at this time but I did want to mark this date.
Wow, the past sixty years have been quite a life experience for this dumb ass kid from a small town in Pennsylvania. And I have to tell you folks, I couldn't have taken a better path.
That chance choice to join the Army (I was originally going to join the Navy) charted the course for the rest of my life, including where I live now.
I don't know how many years I have left but what I do know is that I have been blessed with good fortune and a good life beyond my wildest dreams when I was that naive eighteen year old boarding that train from Downingtown Pennsylvania to Philadelphia this date sixty years ago.
My neighbor's death this past weekend reminded me of how fragile life is and how quickly it can end. In two weeks I depart on a big plane from Philadelphia for the sunny, warm Palm Springs with my good friend Pat.
I live for the day folks and appreciate every day that I am in good health body and mind.
Have a great day!