What was your favorite C-ration?
Very hot and humid Sunday morning here in Northern Illinois, which got me to thinking (as it often does) about the weather in that land so far away so long ago. I remember that nothing tasted really good because of the heat, except for the care packages my mom and dad sent from home. If I had to choose a favorite C-ration entree, it would probably be the cinnamon nut roll. I remember having them quite frequently in the morning, especially at Con Thien. (I accomplished that by volunteering to get the C-rations for our squad, which gave me first choice of all those culinary delights.) I'd make several perforations in the top of the can with my P38 and ever so carefully add a drop or two of water. I'd then heat the can with a small piece of C4. The result was a warm, steamed cinnamon nut roll that tasted heavenly with a cup of C-ration coffee.
I let my experiences in Vietnam control my life for over 40 years. It had an impact on our marriage, and my relationship with my son and daughter. Not only does bitterness and anger control everything you do, but it will slowly destroy you. I reached a point in my life where I got tired of being controlled by something I control, if that makes sense. When I get up in the morning I have two choices. I can be happy or sad. That decision pretty much determines how my day goes. We can "what if" so many things that have happened in our lives. All that did for me was make me more miserable. A very wise person, our son, once said something very profound when we were talking about my struggles. He said that those we left behind wouldn't want me to be living life the way I was, and that they'd want me to live my life to the fullest. He was right. I was spared for a reason, and it certainly wasn't for something that happened so long ago to rule my life. Every day is a precious gift from God and we owe it to those brave men who sacrificed their lives to live it to the fullest. There are many things in my life I wish I could go back and change, but I can't. The only thing we have is this moment in time. There is no promise of tomorrow for any of us. I will not let fear, anger or bitterness control my life anymore. My wife, children, grandchildren, and friends deserve better than that from me. Semper Fi