Sacrifice

When I discussed in “What Makes Sammy Run” I listed several of the things that I internally believe made me the person I am. Following discipline was sacrifice. I don’t really think that what I might feel is a sacrifice I made to be in anyway comparable to what my parents and grandparents had to deal with. Two World Wars, the Great Depression, The Crash and all of the elements that followed the devastation of these events. What has been described many times in many forms what developed was recovery, growth, a stronger country, a gained appreciation for this country, its people and its freedoms but with tremendous sacrifice. The minor sacrifices I made though are equal in the “recovery” aspects that helped me develop.

It was, to a degree, a sacrifice to accept without question or debate the trip to the Post Office. As I look back I think it was a healthy choice. I sacrificed four years of opportunities to advance my education, time to develop relationships with people I met in school and went on to local colleges and passed on employment opportunities that may have led to a more financially rewarding career. It would turn out to be a very minor and insignificant sacrifice. I got an education that would provide a solid foundation for growth. I met friends that would last a life time; I would learn independence, camaraderie, loyalty, teamwork, dedication to duty, honor, and what it really means to be a part of the whole.

During that time I would make the sacrifice afforded by the borders of the U.S. and volunteer to serve in Vietnam. More fortunate than others I survived and the “recovery” saw the development of what would become at an early age a man. Before I would turn 21 I knew I was ready for marriage, hard work, providing for a family and holding my family, family name and my respect for this country and those that choose to protect it to a level much higher than many, equal to some and below only those that gave all.

The list of things I could call a sacrifice could be pretty long, like having to work almost every holiday for years in my chosen career. Also like having to be away from home and family for almost six months for training. But again it would show a growth as to who I have become by providing me the opportunity to make those holidays that I didn’t have to work that much more rewarding and precious. A Christmas with my son, and just being home, was so much more when I had earned the seniority to have those days off.

So sacrifice is a part of who I am. But it is not the degree of sacrifice but the recovery and growth from it that helps one develop good character, trust, and loyalty. In some part it is responsible for being able to commit, have compassion, learn from mistakes, share knowledge and live without guilt of regrets. Well, more or Les.