Dog Tags

I saw my Dad’s dog tags for the first time today and never expected them to leave me speechless the way they did. There I was sitting in my kitchen having dinner with my parents when my mom turned to me and told me she had found them.

 Even though I haven’t lived at home in years, I still crave those simple family moments. When I’m in the area I always try and stop by the house and today I found myself at their door. We don’t talk too much about my Dad’s time in the military, but I almost wish we did. My father is a Vietnam Vet. He served his country for two tours in Vietnam and survived one of the most horrific wars of all time. I can’t really explain how that makes me feel. I have studied the events that occurred in Vietnam in High School and even University and when I look at my father I can’t imagine the things he has seen in his lifetime. His never ending strength and pride in everything he does and is, leaves me in awe. For a man who has seen so much horror, he has the biggest heart. He would do anything for the people he loves and I strive to be like him every single day. So much of my fire and passion comes from him. For that, I will always be grateful.

When I ran upstairs to see the dog tags, the piece of metal that didn’t leave his neck for years, my heart has never beat faster. There they were, hanging on his bedside lamp of all places. I was so careful taking them in my hands as if they were made of glass. I was surprised at how light they were. They were beautiful. I turned them over and over in my fingers, analyzing every letter, every number. I was speechless. I don’t think I’ll ever know what it takes to risk your life for your country, for millions of people you don’t even know. I closed my eyes and saw him there. Saw this young man in the jungles of Vietnam with not even a single second to be scared. I cried for him. I cried for everyone who has had to fight for others.

I walked downstairs, saw my parents laughing and couldn’t imagine that this was the same person who I had just imagined fighting for his life. It makes me realize how ridiculous I can be sometimes. How trivial my problems actually are. I think we all need to stop taking everything so seriously and see the great things that are all around us. I know it sounds cliché but live each day as if it was your last. Stop wishing things were different and really soak in what you have right now. You never know where you’ll be tomorrow, so live in the moment!