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submitted 5 months ago by NineMileTower@lemmy.world to c/casualconversation@lemm.ee

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On December 24th, 2008 I was almost 21 and drinking wine at my Grandma's house with my family. We were having a good time. I don't really talk to that side of the family anymore though. I got a phone call from my best friend, Kyle. I joking let my uncle answer. Kyle asked to talk to me. He sounded angry.

The next few words he said were like a a fucking nuclear bomb that seared my fucking brain for life. He said, "NineMileTower, Steve died (in Iraq). A bridge gave out, his hummer flipped, and he drowned."

That was in 2008. I'm 37 now. I have two beautiful girls and an amazing wife. I think of Steve all the time. I ask myself, "Why do I deserve these amazing kids, wife and life, and he had to die?"

I fucking hate Christmas. I hate the stupid music. I hate fake bullshit decorations. I hate that I'm supposed to pretend that every Christmas it doesn't fucking kill me that he isn't here. I'm here enjoying my kids and their holiday and he's dead.

I fucking hate Christmas.

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[-] rhacer@lemmy.world 28 points 5 months ago

Hey man, my wife got two all-expense paid vacations to Iraq in 06 and 09 (she's a lifer so she's still in). She has lost some folk and it hits her hard. I'm just a civilian, and can't fully fathom all you went through, but I'm grateful to you.

I will tell you this, you're buddy Steve would not want you to be miserable at all, and especially at the holidays. I know enough Soldiers to know exactly what he'd be telling you.

Always remember your friend. But give yourself permission to enjoy the holidays.

this post was submitted on 23 Dec 2024

137 points (81.3% liked)

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