Two days ago my friend who is a Marine, messaged me and we spent two hours talking.

Since he joined the Marines I usually get a quick one line message and if I’m lucky a second one line message, maybe every four to six weeks.

I miss the long conversations we used to have, but fully understand he’s busy these days. Since we’re both writers, we have a lot in common and therefore a lot to discuss. My father is a Marine {he was honorably discharged when I was a kid} as well, so that gives us more to discuss.

We used to talk for hours at a time and even bounced writing ideas off each other. I always look forward to talking with him. His courage and determination leave me awe time and again. I know he’s more than capable of protecting himself, yet I still worry about him, especially when I don’t hear from him in a while.

I’m grateful he chose to spend those couple hours talking to me. I’ve been feeling a bit stressed lately over life in general and find myself time and again wishing I could talk to him about it, so this was a welcomed change. It kind of felt like old times.

Plus, I got to read two new chapters to one of his fanfics. I’m so happy right now. His writing always puts things in perspective for me. He’s a wonderful friend and always makes me smile.

Semper Fi.