The Journey Has Come To An End

Over the past few weeks, I have learned a lot about myself. I thought that being a Marine means that you are the strongest man that there can be. Yet, learning about hope and faith, having the will to see that there is always going to be a tomorrow, is a far greater strength than what a man in uniform can bring. 

This has by far been the greatest learning experience for me, and even though we might have come through it this far, it does not mean that the battle is not over. I think that only now the true healing will begin. And that I can with almost all certainty say as I am now staring my father in eyes that are very much wide open.

And as I am the first to nearly leap in his arms, the flood of emotions, the fear of losing him comes flooding like a raging river from eyes that have grown far puffier than they should be.

With only but a gentle squeeze of his hand instead, I softly whisper to him, "It is good you finally joining us. I was really starting to