The End

Sorry to end with no really exciting conclusion. I could have kept you informed about my post-deployment goings-ons... But I just felt that it would not be about SGT Dock's Holiday anymore. The Holiday is over. Now back to the grind of my real life.

As an Active-Duty soldier, my life revolved around the Army. That was "The Grind". As a National Guardster, my real life is the existence beyond the ACU-Digital-Camo world. It is not meant to be a slight to anyone who serves. I've never believed for a minute that one person's struggle is more or less important because of your branch of service or military-occupational-skill. Every cog in the war-machine is vital. But now I'm out. Now the real life is the boring day-to-day exchanges with my wife or with the people I deal with as a Paramedic.

Almost 3/4ths of a year back and there are only a few things worth noting:

Our kittens all found homes. Our cat is doing well... even with the addition of a 100lbs Rottweiler. We own a modest home in Saint Paul. And last, but not least, we celebrated our 2nd actual (although, 1st real) wedding anniversary by returning back to New Orleans. (See http://sgtdock.blogspot.com/2006_03_01_archive.html ). It was nice to see that our tree has continued to thrive and looks healthier than it's 6-Months-Post-Katrina state. I'm optimistic that it will be a metaphor for our marriage.

Thanks to anyone who has read my ramblings.

Wes "Doc" Thompson

NREMT-Paramedic