Damn. Sam. That is some powerful writing. Really, really well done.

First the disclaimer: Just because I can't (or won't) write doesn't mean I don't read and enjoy good writing. Just sayin'

The absolute first thing I thought of was Warren Zevon's last song. Keep Me In Your Heart for Awhile. That, of course, is about dying, his dying, and yours is so much about living and being alive.

Makes me wonder. Is a front line deployment like practice dying? Do you have to carry that with you at all times and places? Is this how you manage that inner conflict?

Jeeze. I really didn't mean to go all heavy on this, I really just wanted to thank you for a terrific piece of writing.

Thank you.