OCTOBER THE SEVENTEEN

In which the author finishes his national service and his freedom returns.

26 months. That was how long I served my country. And believe me I am glad it is finally over. I left my camp this morning with my pink identification card, a plaque of appreciation, a certificate of service and mostly importantly with the knowledge that I was a good friend and instructor.

As a parting gift and a final farewell I bought 4 large pizzas of different flavors with a small sum of money I had saved up for this occasion for my CSOs and Sergeants. I know it’s not much but I felt bad leaving them empty handed.

I left camp thinking about all the good times I had and the great friends I made. Now that I think of it, there was some kind of magic in suffering together.

I didn’t go home straight away. I bought a ticket for World Trade Centre and a large cup of Sarsi. But it’s been a while since I tasted Sarsi and it sure felt good. I had some time before the movie so I browsed a few design magazines in the library.

The movie was great. I was in the sort of mood to cry, happy tears, and had tears in my eyes when things got a little too emotional. I can’t help it; it’s the kind of movie you really feel connected to the characters and besides I am a sucker for human dramas.

Well I wanted to write so much about my experiences in the army in this post. But somehow it doesn’t feel right. I guess I have to carry these memories for the rest of my life. The army has taught me alot of things, so of them good, some of them bad but mostly importantly it has reminded me of who I really am.

Tonight I am about to come a full circle. Prior to my enlistment I had a dinner with my movie appreciation group and tonight we will gather once again to celebrate, to remember and to toast.

Well I wish I can tell you how happy I truly am. But I can’t find the right words as my mind is in a state of euphoria. Gosh, will you look at the time, I better get changed I got a dinner to attend. Wohoo!