In my last post I discussed the death of my best friend in high school, Helen. I left out a very important story. After I graduated high school, we both decided to join the armed forces. I wanted to join the Air Force, (I always wanted to fly). We couldn’t join the Air Force together because you had to have a high school diploma. So I altered my plans and joined the army so we could be together. At the time, they had something called “the delayed entry program.”
We went up to the armory to take the test for admission. only to find out that she had failed. The recruiter contacted me about going to Fort Dix in New Jersey to get sworn in. I took the long car trip with them and spent the day going through the process that resulted in me being sworn in.
During the process I was asked what I wanted to do in the service. I was ready to answer that I wanted to be in Personnel, (I figured that I can meet a lot of guys there). They told me there was no openings and suggested being an MP, (military police). Now you have to understand at this time in the 70’s, the TV shows “Police Woman,” and “Charlie’s Angels,” were big and I watched both of them. I pictured myself in the position of one of the sexy cops I saw on the TV, pointing the gun. Boy was I suckered into that! Later I remember my sister telling me that “everyone hated the MP’s.”
In the meantime, delayed entry being 6 months, I was out in the bars and met my future 1st husband. We took off together for Florida, (those adventures are covered on the pages of Men, (not yet written). Regardless, come spring, I heard the Army was looking for me. I had gotten my orders for basic training, I think it was in Alabama. My parents came down to FL to get me, combined with a trip to Disney World. I was throwing up the whole time. Of course I was pregnant, returned home, the army honorably discharged me and I ended up getting married and having my baby girl.
Speaking of which. She is now 41 and arrived here on Saturday to help me with Maggie. Thank God, I was having such a hard time. Maggie is pretty much the same, like MS, some days are better than others. She did learn to pee on the fake grass on the deck, (she is so smart).
Its been a little challenging, as usual, to get along with her. I have to walk on eggshells and be very careful of what I say. I do appreciate her being here and always hope to gain a closer relationship.