Attending to memories of those gone long before us. Remembering those gone who were there once besides us. From a war zone on our streets, the sad by-products of yet another group searching for the American Dream, to a battlefield for others' gains. Merely looking for a way out. Duty, honor...not undermining that, but what was really gained? Perhaps added perspective, which we all had plenty of to begin with. We already took nothing for granted. No need for life lessons; we had already seen more, lived more, than most of those our real age.
Coming back not to the support seen these days. The support shown these days – call it what you may, criticize it if you see the need; but the truth is that it is better than what was received coming back from some "random skirmish" that so many forget and overlook. (Yet, needless to say a thousand times better than those a generation before us.) Not complaining just stating an optimistic fact that at least it is better. At least on the surface, for the wars still remain.
From that nonsense to senseless ends at a place of higher learning. Innocents and broken warning systems. What are the lessons here? That wealth before our very eyes is apparently not enough. Fractured conversations and skewed perspectives no amount of monetary wealth could fix. Self imposed rejection, true rejection or simple mental struggles; regardless the tears are the same. History repeats itself. History repeats itself from 10 years earlier, same place, similar stories. I had friends there too. They too are forever changed.
All of it creates a thicker crust at your foundation. Layers and layers above all the other daily struggles. You learn to rise above it all, take the higher road; if you leave with nothing you leave with your honor and the world a better place by those you touched.
All that deep thinking you see me doing; it all goes away when you come through with your simple gifts. Doing those little things that warm my heart and put a smile on my face. Really, I don't need much more than that.
I buy small things for you; leave them out for you. No occasion, no explanation, no expectation. I don't need to see you put any of it on; just knowing you have is enough.
But when you do. When you go as far as showing me. That is the sunshine through the clouds we all seek at some point or another...or to some, like me, everyday.
"Look, I'm wearing 'em."
This is an illustration by an artist named Cameron Stewart.
His line work is so very similar to mine, but he captured this so perfectly
I couldn't resist using it.