Memorial Day @ Myrtle Beach

First, let me ask anyone who reads this in the U.S. to take a moment to remember why we have a Memorial Day. It's fun to party, but the underlying reason for the Holiday is sacrifice. The reality of our armed service men/women sacrificing their lives so that I can have the freedom to do as I want has never been more real to me than these past few years.

Which brings me to the subject @ hand. I've not posted for almost a month, and with good reason. About a month ago, I packed up my car at my parent's in Ohio and set out for Harrisburg. I never made it. There was no accident or anything like that, but something happened between Pittsburgh & Harrisburg. I did some deep thinking, really deep.

As I was driving, I started to think about all the previous times I'd returned to PA and why. Each time I went back to PA I was deluding myself into thinking that when I returned, at some point I would be reunited with Michele. And all 7 or 8 times I was wrong. This time I decided not to return to South Central PA, but instead got into my maps and plotted a course to Myrtle Beach. And this is where I've been and where I will stay.

I found another job drywalling, and live only minutes from the beach. I can't tell you how relaxing it is to leave work and head straight to the beach for drinks. But it hasn't been all positive. My liver has put me back into the hospital twice in the last month, and I probably should've been in more than that. But I think the people at Grand Strand Regional are probably already sick of seeing me.

Besides the pain I've had, my fatigue levels get worse every day, and I'm told at some point I'll be incapable of working. That means I'll have to file for disability, which is something I don't want to do - but will be necessary. The last time I was in the E.R. I was told that if I didn't plan on changing my ways that it would be wise to make peace with whoever I need to - and quickly. I wouldn't allow them to give me an idea of how much time I have, it's immaterial to me.

Until that day, I will continue to enjoy my new Southern home. It's been over 25 years since I've seen Myrtle Beach, but the people haven't changed. The same old Southern hospitality that existed upon my last visit still lives on to this day. It's changed greatly since my last visit, and I still have a lot to discover and enjoy. But this "yankee" is quite happy here in the South. I had a lot of great memories coming here as a kid, and I'm making more day by day. I guess the saying of "Where I lay my head is home" is true.

Everyone have a happy, safe Memorial Day weekend & don't party too much!