Despite growing up in a rather dysfunctional family, the holidays remained important to me. There is something about this special time of year that makes one want to surround themselves with loved one and reminisce over the good and bad. In my upbringing, things would never go as planned and a screaming battle would almost always break out at some point, but at the end of the day, it wasn't important. We were all together, intently listening to the exchange of stories, all while laughing and poking fun at one another. I look fondly back upon these memories.
Since departing my parent’s house I have moved away to another state and have spent holiday seasons working as a waiter. Working during the holiday season sucks, but usually, depending on the job, you can make a big chunk of change for yourself by doing this. Seeing that wad of cash or that sizable paycheck somewhat alleviates the sting of a wasted holiday. I now find myself set against a new challenge, spending my favorite time of year overseas deployed to the Middle East.
No one can really tell you how desperate it feels to be so far away from family on these days until you experience it. The feeling of distance from across the country feels insignificant compared to the feeling of being literally on the other side of the world. In the age of connectivity, it’s easy to FaceTime your loved ones, but it’s not the same when you're a third of a day ahead of everyone stateside. Everything at home seems to slow down for the season, and you can really appreciate the time of year, but not out here. Nothing changes with the holiday season.
Your typical 12+ hour work day hasn't changed and deadlines still must be met. There is no beautiful change in scenery, just desert for hundreds of miles. The weather abruptly shifts from 120 degrees to 65 during the day and 40 at night as your body fights to assimilate quickly. As I write this, I gaze endearingly at the most green I've seen in months, a synthetic Christmas tree purchased from Amazon a month earlier. A crude, yet humble attempt to bring some holiday cheer into our dreary reality. Factors such as this and more contribute to a general drop in morale of the troops. Some of the guys I work with have been blessed with their first child, went home for a week, and like a double-edged sword, are already back in the sandbox. Not exactly the way you'd ever imagine spending your holiday season.
I am surrounded by some of the best people I will ever have the privilege to know and feel blessed to have these fine men and women by my side this holiday season. The sense of community around here is higher than usual as everyone puts in 110% so that everybody feels more welcome. My colleagues are working through the same grueling shifts and enduring the harsh environment just the same. These strangers from across the United States quickly form an intimate bond unlike any other. We rely on each other to get through these twelve months, day in and day out. We become our own type of family, one that's vulgar, and addicted to nicotine and energy drinks. to It’s not easy being out here for the holidays, but if I had to do it again, I’d hope to have a team as strong and supportive as the one I am with now.
