| This thread has been locked, it will not receive new replies. |
|
Locked on 01/26/2004 3:27:14 PM PST by Lead Moderator, reason:
The thread has gotten so large that whenever we need to remove a post or anything of the sort, it bogs down the system. Please head to thread V. |
Posted on 08/04/2003 9:43:18 AM PDT by HairOfTheDog
I've carried a pocketknife whenever I've had a pocket for over 30 years now. I don't want to be without basic tools, which also explains the combo screwdriver and small forceps in my eyeglass case. People merely think I'm weird if I take out my screwdriver or forceps. But they back away if I have to take out my knife. Being without tools makes me feel vulnerable.
Perhaps that's because man is really a toolmaker, and not a predator. High-definition color binocular vision is intended for making tools, not for being a predator, like a hawk.
The plot in my mind needs to be tightened up.
Well, it's time.
In a few days, I will hop in La Contessa, kiss Mrs.Cut and Mini Cut goodbye, and , tears straming, point her nose north. I'll drive to Maine, where, after checking aboard VP-10, I'll be sent...Well, I still don't know where. I just know I've been told to pack for warm weather.
Sailors, for countless years have done the same thing. I shouldn't be worried or sad, but how can one not be, with a month-old son who is just starting to...LOOK at you? Well, can't think about it...I just have to DO it, just as I've done my duty now for ten years. This is the first time I'll leave a family behind, though.
(ahem) Back in 2001, the day after Black Tuesday, I logged on to FR and, for the first time since discovering it, registered. i quickly found the Canteen thread, which became a place I loved to go in cyberspace.
You ALL were there, day after day, like FRiends at a favorite pub at the end of the day, with a warm fire and a cold beer, and with Old Glory, ever flying. I immediately felt at home, and i took great pleasure in sharing my job and life with you all. I told you of my students, the Lads, whom I trained with all the skill and leadership I knew, and then learned more. You were there on the dark, dark day when Mrs. Cut lost our first baby, to offfer comfort and prayers, all of which warmed our cold souls that day.
you were also there to share in our joy as Mini Cut entered our lives (he's doing fine, by the way! he's gained ten ounces since he was born a month ago).
All through it, you ALWAYS placed first and foremost, those Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, and Airmen who have served, and continue to serve, our country in these dark days of war. in the face of those traitors (and that is the only word that fits) who slander and smear us, you stood the ground, and held the hill, for us back home. I...WE all thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
(cough) I'll be leaving now, to join those already overseas, to, FINALLY, do my part in full. To do what I was trained for, and to do it to the best of my abilities, as those who came before me did. However, this is not an opus.
I WILL be gone from fr for a while...six months, at least. I do not know how the 'net service will be wherever I wind up, so this will be more of a "thank you" than a goodbye.
Know, my FRiends, that I will think of you, during the long, lonely, and dangerous times ahead. I KNOW that you will think of me, Mrs. Cut, and all those in our predicament, and that you will offer prayers and support, as much as you can. Know ye, it will be appreciated.
Not much else to say, I guess, or I may just break down. So, let me put on my peacoat, sling my seabag over a shoulder, straighten my dixie cup, and depart.
I'll see you all in six. Stay safe, stay alert, and keep the home fires burnin!
P.S.-If I missed anyone in this ping list, it wasn't intentional. i tried to ping everyone I knew to it.
346 posted on 08/08/2003 7:42 PM PDT by Long Cut (AFT CLEAR, STANDING BY ON TWO, FLIGHT!!!!)
Long Cut, I missed a lot of pings yesterday, and I hope you haven't left yet and I am not too late to say So Long and Farewell, stay safe and Godspeed on behalf of all of us here. And for you to know that we are thinking of you.... As a sometime Hobbit Hole and Tolkien thread participant, you will have our thoughts and prayers, and I hope you will take comfort in the fact that we are with you.
Take such friends as you can trust!
Stay off the road!
Uh...no. We didn't find out that we would be late until I was already through security. I can do that online, can't I? You can do anything online, right? :)
But I'm going to e-mail it to Tim with my resume. I'll let him do the honors.
;~D
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.