During my time in country with these amazing warriors, I had many a conversation about loved ones back home. They talked about plans for the future, mistakes of the past and in many cases their darling children. As we went on patrols I wondered about those they left behind. I prayed daily for their safety as we drove out the gate of the compound and was relieved, to a point, when we returned. During those moments I allowed my mind to wonder, I tried to picture a wife or girlfriend back home. Wondering what they were doing to occupy their days. I wondered how the kids were holding up and what they did to keep the kids happy and occupied as well.
It was now Sunday morning and as I sat drinking my morning coffee gathering my thoughts outside the restaurant of the hotel I was surprised to see one of my Marines walking towards me. He was there to have brunch with his wife and children. I watched as he sat along the side of the pool, his feet dangling in the water, playing with his son, dipping those tiny little feet in and out of the water, laughing the whole time. I remembered how much he said he missed his kids and his wife, how much he loved them dearly. To see him now, as dad and husband, was a beautiful sight to see. It made waking up early that morning that much more special.
Throughout the day many ventured over for coffee or to just say hello with wives, girlfriends and children in tow. This was a very special surprise for me since I hadn’t expected to see them so soon. We laughed, joked and reminisced about our time in country. It was so nice to be able to put a face with a story I was told.
Later that evening as I sat alone eating my dinner, I noticed a few of the guys with wives or girlfriends enjoying their dinner in the outdoor café. This was the perfect setting to take anyone who is special for dinner. With its café styled tables, soft linen tablecloths, candles flickered off the crystal blue water of the pool under a full moon. All the while soft romantic music serenaded these special love birds as they sat quietly, not saying much to one another as they gazed into each others eyes, holding hands occasionally. I could tell their bodies where here but their minds hadn’t caught up with them yet. They had a look about them as if to say “is this for real or is this another one of those damn dreams”. These were moments they dreamed about so many nights laying in their cots. The little smiles, soft stares and that special wink told what was in their hearts.
Even thought they knew I was not far away, I stayed away giving them their privacy. This was a special time for both of them as they rekindled and ignited the spark that has been hidden deep within their souls. I could see that warm glow begin to capture their hearts once again and I couldn’t help but smile for them. Being the romantic that I am it warmed my heart to see them this way.
Many of these men shared long conversations with me while in the desert. I recalled many of those conversations as I gazed upon them now sitting across from that special lady who owned their heart. Just seeing them with loved ones gave me a different side of these strong warriors that I knew.
As I began the final stages of my closure with this unit, I was happy to see them interacting with family and loved ones. No matter where I go or what I do in life, these Marines will always hold a special place in my heart and I will always be protective over these men. It’s easier to begin my closure now because I know they are in very good hands with people and family that love them just as much as I do. Unfortunately there is one final detail that needs to be secured before I can close this chapter of this wonderful journey, a detail that is going to be hard to accomplish for sure.
NEXT: The Journey Comes to a close Part 4: The memorial service for the fallen brothers of 3rd LAR.
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