I posted on my Facebook page today that I sometimes felt like Clint Eastwood in 'Heartbreak Ridge.' At other times, I felt like Danny Kaye in 'A Court Jester.' Many of the 'ancients' understood my references. I even had a friend tell me he felt more like Warren Beatty in 'Deliverance.' That makes me certain that I prefer my life to his, at least for the moment. It just goes to show you, things can always be worse.
Many of you may be confused, or just not understand my references. There are many of you out there that were born after 8-tracks and cassettes had gone the way of the dinosaurs. I doubt you would recognize the theatrical references that I had made. Not that either of those movies will go down in history as great cinema. They were simply good entertainment that caught my attention and allowed me a few moments escape from normalcy.
I do not feel like 'Gunny' in the movie because I am as tough and mean as he is. Although, I am certain that there are some soldiers out there that still think I am the Antichrist. You can not be loving and nurturing when training soldiers for combat. These young men and women have to be hard as nails to survive, both the physical and mental challenges they have to face. Gunny Highway fought officers and soldiers alike trying to prepare his men and leadership for the dangers they were to face.
I can relate to his pain. The military has become a place where the individuals feelings are more important than preparing for the evil ahead. These brave souls are heading into a world that the movies and video games never prepared them for. We, as leaders, do them a great disservice by not preparing them for the horrors to come. Not everyone is meant for combat. It would be better to eliminate them before they see the battlefield. They are a danger to themselves and others.
I feel like I am the 'Gunny' at the end of the movie. There is nothing more I can do for the young troops. It is time for them to find their paths and 'Lead the Way,' now. My wars have been fought. The knowledge I had has been passed on to that next generation. The time for old 'War Horses' is past. It is my time to sit down, light that stogies, and smile as they succeed.
When I don't feel like an ancient warrior awaiting the Valkyrie's cry, I feel much like the 'Court Jester' That was a wonderful movie filled with humour and fun. There are moments in that movie that are priceless. Danny standing there showing the exposing the baby's bottom, so that the soldiers may see the royal birthmark, is humour at its best. It seems to be such a 'Parent' moment.There was embarrassment and pride both in his characters face.
I have three little girls. I have gotten past the embarrassed stage. I have had children trow up all over me, run naked through the house at the most odd times, found food and other presents left for me well past the expiration date. I could rant and rave or laugh and enjoy their childish antics. I would love to say I laugh all the time. Unfortunately, sometimes I forget they are children and get upset.
There are times and events I will never forget, or stop smiling about. There is the pink boa that the girls used as hair, so they could do my hair. The night spent cramped up in a tent designed for 2 little girls, not 2 girls and a Dad. My baby running through the house in her pink dress with her banana screaming "I'm a Princess. I'm a Princess" will melt any heart. I guess I am the jester, showing the princesses off to the world.
Too bad there is no evil night for me to slay.Then again, I have been lead around the house to beat up the 'monsters' that were hiding in the dark places. All I need are the tights and a funny hat with a feather. I had better be quiet. I am sure the girls would find me some, if they thought they could get me in them...... Who am I kidding? All they would have to do is ask.
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