A Letter from Our Marine

My Dearest, Sweetest Mother,

How are things back on the farm? I had a lot of fun with Dad the other day. I think its awesome how he's here so often. I love spending time with him when we can. It's good for me to see my Dad every so often out here. When I hang out with him even for a couple hours I can loosen up and I don't feel so stressed. It's so late/early here now. It's 3:30 a.m. I haven't been able to sleep. Tomorrow is my last day (well today actually) and I can't believe that it's been four years already. I've gone through so many changes and I've been through so much, both good and bad. It's almost overwhelming to think about them. I thought I would be excited on this day, though. I thought I would be so happy and feel weightless. All that may soon come, but right now I'm just sad that I'm leaving I guess. There are so many things that I wanted to do in the Marines that I didn't get to do. I couldn't do another four years - the little things I don't like about it would drive me crazy. I just have to make sure I do well because I'm not going back into the Marines ever...unless they call me back. I want to use what I've learned to better myself and life. I'm really going to miss it though. I can never forget that 'once a Marine, always a Marine.' I feel like I'm leaving a lot of people who depend on me. At the same time, I'm losing my friends, the guys who I've been through so many hard times with. People that I've taught and mentored, people that have taught me and mentored me, and all the people who look up to me as a Sgt and a man mean so much to me. It's different than family. It's different than friends. I knew that this day was coming. I knew that this life of a Marine would someday be memories. I tried so hard and I did well, but I could have done better. I wish I could just be satisfied with myself for once, then maybe I could be happy and enjoy my final hours in the Marine Corps. I'm so happy to think that soon I'll be home. I've missed everybody so much from the day I left. I love you and I'll see you soon.

Sgt P