Retired At 34...

There was a time in my childhood in which I may have dreamed to be retired in my 30's. That dream has become reality for me, though not quite how I imagined it back in the day. No, I dreamed of racing my way to millions or inventing the "next best thing". No way did I imagine my body would start failing and I would become all but an invalid. Thankfully I still have all my limbs and most everything works like it did when I came out of the factory but the wounds I have cannot be seen. There is no known rhyme or reason for the pain I endure. Test after test the answer is still the same.

Everyday is a challenge. Even on my best days do I struggle. Mornings tend to be the worst part of my day. Two of my three service-connected disabilities are at their worst in the AM's. After my morning battle, the rest of the day is a mystery. Some days I am able to grasp some normality yet others are totally prostrating and I cannot participate in average daily activities as my pain levels are between seven and nine. SERE trained or not, any pain at that level will make even the hardest of the hard break down and cry for mercy. I would take any day in that POW cell over the pain I endure on my worst days. Gladly.

Unfortunately, life is not always "fair". Take it as it comes, suck it up and drive on and only the strong survive are a couple of the motto's I have learned to live by. 10 years after I raised my right hand and swore my oath to this great country, to protect life, liberty, FREEDOM. For three years I struggled with a very low disability rating from the VA. For three long, hard years I have endured severe and chronic pain. Not that my pain has subsided or dissipated but the VA has finally given my a disability rating closer to what I deserve.

The weight of the world has finally been lifted and I can again see the light of hope. Hooray! Here I am on the verge of 34 and retired. Not quite what I had imagined, but not having to stress over how I shall survive anymore is a great feeling, even more so now that I can insure my son's future in this wretched world. Do not take me wrong, I would gladly take my health over disability retirement ANY day. I remember my great sense of pride in accomplishment and I miss those days. I suppose that is why my grandfather worked til he was nearly 80 years old.

Have a dub day!