One And Two Hundred Forty-Five

In my younger years, today was always significant, as it marks the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. This year is the 245th birthday of Mother Green, the Killing Machine. And while I have mixed feelings about my beloved Corps and the path she’s taken in recent politically-correct years, I will forever be proud of my association with the epitome of masculine insanity I lived and breathed for six years. Happy Birthday, Devil Dogs!

But today marks a sadder anniversary. One year ago today, our beloved Bonnie left us in the early morning hours and left a void that will never be filled.

I am grateful for my rambunctious boy Jinx, because he has helped alleviate the sharper stabs of missing Bonnie-dog. The thought of the day when he leaves makes my stomach ache, and so I push these thoughts aside and try to enjoy my time with him, because everything can change so quickly.

Wistful. That’s the word for me today. Fond memories and melancholy tinges, pride and laughter and sadness and grief. This is my life, and I am grateful for it. I am grateful beyond words for my wife and my family and my animals. They are semper fidelis, even if no one and nothing else is.

~ S.K. Orr