Life choices

This story l was told by major Andrew Yang .A old story he once told me after a few drinks.They once was a small boy who like many people had no direction in life, so he just followed what everyone was doing just to fit in .One day his father suggested he join the army and serve the country, "this was great because lost people find direction when they do things bigger than themselves his father said".This made the the boy very happy.What was his name l asked, the major responded " the boy shall remain nameless", "ok". Then a few months went by then he enrolled into the army.This part of his life was full of soul breaking training , day in and day out.The training seemed to get tougher every time and the whole body would be in agony, this went on for years with few missions along the way, slowly climbing the ladder and status.After all the pain he reeped  what he had sowed, and became  a senior major officer leading a few maned crew into special missions.All seemed to fall in place and he had finally found a calling that was noble.He even was awarded many medals of honor for being very good at missions and saving countless lives.

However one day on a secret mission, they encountered  enemies near a sea side base were they transported contraband. After a fierce gun face-off, the enemies began to flee. They hijacked a boat nearby seemingly empty and ran.This was increasing turning bad for the soldiers, so the major opened fire and his man too.The enemies and the boat was painted with bullets that no soul would survive.The major radioed in that the mission was a success, the operator asked to confirm the bodies. When they went in to check them, they realized they had local women and children hidden inside the boat out of fear from the gunfight. Upon finding out the major completely broke down, all he could see dead women and children and a bullet-torn boat floating into the horizon, being led by the waves like the grim reaper escorting them to the afterlife. A fog circled the boat like a sheet covering the dead. That image engraved itself into his memories. He went back and explained the mistake he had made and asked for a break, which was no help, and even therapists too. He came back to the army and fought in more missions with guilt still haunting his every waking moment and after so many years he retired a hero.

Still stuck at that moment out of guilt he visited the relatives and asked for forgiveness. They forgave him but his heart never felt lighter. When he closed his eyes he could see them looking at him and always so vivid like they continued to live within guilt." The major began to shake and tears started to fall and said to me "be glad you are leaving your life, every happy moment won't last so never take it for granted" he stood up and started walking".

I asked how does the story end he replied "l still alive, l will know when I'm dead".

He went out towards the sea near the bar and stood on the ledge looking at the blue sea with such sorrow and regret.

In the end, he said l miss the old days when l was young, stupid, and without direction. The world was so big and scary and as you grow you learn and all the secrets of the world become understood. Actions you take decide your future, so do not fear the future but rather strengthen your resolve.

Ever since then l laugh, cry and never take life for granted, l take each moment as it comes.