Homecoming, Day 3 (Saturday)

Bubba had decided he wanted to do something "fun" with his dad. Go to the Beach and surf. So that's where we went. We all head out at 0830 to Hunington Beach. Sniper decided he wanted to drive. Oh shit! He drove to grandma's house on Friday, but was distracted the whole way there, damn cell phone. Then again that was a good thing. I sat upfront with him, holding his hand. I could see him flinch when cars came too close. Things on the side of the road, he held tighter to my hand (still hearing the song in my head "When I'm Gone"). I have to say that was the longest 30 minute drive I have ever had. My hand was completely numb by the time we arrived at our destination. That was fine, he knew I was there with him every step of the way. The weather was hotter than haties, but that morning it was chilly. Oh, and the water was a whopping 58 degrees. No frickin' way was I going near it. I kept thinking the whole time we were there, Sniper came 7,000 plus miles from hell to spend more time in the sand. Who in the f*ck wants to do that? He went in the water with Bubba and they had a good time together. However, when he got out 25 minutes later, he was colder then a witches tit. He stood there shivering for the remainder of the time. His body was adjusting to the difference in tempature from Iraq still. Don't worry, I held real tight to him. Body heat is wonderful. :) I knew he really didn't want to be there, but was making more sacrifices for everyone else. He will do anything for his family. When the f*ck is someone going to make a sacrifice for him? He sacrifces so much for his families happiness. He sacrifices so much of himself for our Country. For God's sake the man just came home from Iraq, from almost not coming home the same way he left. Some got it, but some didn't. I for one am making a sacrifice now for him and my family. Studying right now, giving up my family and life as I know it. Passing this exam is going to mean the world to our future. I want to give him a life without worries. We know the Marine Corps life has taken it's toll on his body. Besides, it doesn't pay shit. A life he can relax in and enjoy. He deserves it. Besides he tried telling me he wouldn't see me again until after I pass the exam in September. Well, we know how I responded....BULLSHIT!!!! Over my dead body. At this point, I knew Sniper was ready for everyone to go home to Northeren Cali. As in all of us, me included, to get the f*ck out of there. He had enough. He wanted to be alone. I understood as much as one can, but that wouldn't happen for a little longer. That night he made another sacrifce for his family. We spent the evening at a BBQ with friends from highschool. We enjoyed the company, but again I knew he didn't want to be there. He preferred spending the evening at his grandma's relaxing where it was quiet. He told me I needed to losen up a bit and relax. To have a few drinks and that I did. Honestly I was trying, but I was worried about him relaxing. I drank a bit that night. Ok, more than a bit, but he told me to losen up. Don't worry I wasn't inspecting the tile this time. We headed back over to grandma's and he said his good-byes to his family. If I had my bags at this point, he would have dropped me off at the airport. We joked about it, but I knew it wasn't a joke. Wingman, Sniper & I mounted out. Destination, Fallbrook. His temporary home. Oh ya, his homeless right now and will be staying with Wingman until he decides (err, the Marine Corps decides) where his next move is. This one on, I will keep you posted. dyzgoneby