A piece missing

There are days I struggle.  I miss being a soldier.  I miss having soldiers to work with and I even miss the deployments.

When my medical retirement officially came down, I struggled.  It was not on my terms, it was not on my planned time.

There have been days that I don't feel like I'm accomplishing the same things I was before.  Most of my days are spent taking care of my two little boys and keeping the household running.  I know this is some of the most important work I will ever do, however, there is still a piece missing.  Then from time to time, that piece reappears.

It appears in the form of a former soldier contacting me needing help with something or a spouse who is dealing with some stuff with their service member that they just need someone to listen.  Something directed that individual, some of which I have never met in person, to click that send button.  Although at the end of many of the conversations, there is thanks for listening or for helping them look up a regulation, the thanks is really coming from my end.  For that moment in time, the soldier is me resurfaces and I'm a different person.

To be honest, I think this has helped me deal more with the abrupt end to my planned career and other issues that had come along the way than any counselor or book every could.

So to those who thought I may have been helping them out in some way, shape or form… please know that you have helped me more than you will ever know.