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Chances of Me Leaving Home

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I did not intend to join the U.S. Navy, but my dad talked to me about it. Thought it was a crazy idea but thought I'll go check it out. I fell in love right away, at the recruiters office. It gave me a reason to leave home, direction, adventure, travel and of course the joy of serving my country (of which I am most proud of). My first flight (of all time) was cancelled. The next flight was delayed. Arrived in boot camp too late for real sleep (you don't get to sleep in...lol). Time to get shipshape, march it out, share a room with 79 other recruits, learn the language, learn how to float and swim with the sharks (metaphors). I wish I could have done it all better, however I did do it and am proud of my service. God Bless. 

chances of me leaving home chances of me donning blues chances of me wearing a flight suit chances of me being chosen to carry the sports flag chances of me staying what chance do I have to find love chances of living a life apart from what I had known chances of being whistled at by ships chances of the greatest adventure of my life chances of boogie boarding the Pacific chances of kittens yes, kittens…mom wasn’t a fan chances of tempura and teriyaki chances of children in muumuus and leis chances of sunshine and rainy season days chances motor pedaling a bit far away what we won’t do when we are pinch-cheek young chances of wading, submerging, merging with (parrot- butterfly- trigger- trumpet- ) fish; and tangs chances of Hanauma reef and frozen peas chances of being half a world away chances of my son finding love in Guam chances of my daughters marrying Southerners chances of happiness chances of me leaving home

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 5/17/2025 10:57:00 AM
So nostalgic! Reminds me of getting off the bus before dawn at NTC San Diego. Eighty recruits-Company 291. Enjoyed the comradery and the two Pacific (wespac) cruises. Glad you took chances and sampled life's feast while you were young. Variety after all, is the spice of life! Loved it, Robert
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 5/17/2025 6:06:00 PM
Robert, Thank you for your service! Yes, it was the best thing for me. God bless you!
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 5/17/2025 6:02:00 PM
Robert, Thank you for your service! Yes, it was the best thing for me. God bless you!
Date: 5/16/2025 7:31:00 PM
What a lovely testimony and I love the colour in this story of your experience. Chance is a fine thing they say and I think taking crazy risks is one of life's perks providing amazing life experiences, much like yours. Big blessings S:) x
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 5/16/2025 7:42:00 PM
Thank you, Sam! I indeed feel blessed. Happy weekend and blessings! :)
Date: 5/16/2025 7:03:00 PM
It seems you took the chance! But I wonder, after your service...did you have a hard time finding your way back home? Just I felt an emotional undercurrent in this. But it's a wonderful tribute, to the Navy. I am glad you found your way there. <3 hugs xx
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 5/16/2025 7:27:00 PM
No undercurrent…I was married, and I always missed my parents and siblings :) Hugs
Date: 5/16/2025 6:36:00 PM
Interesting to hear your experience!
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 5/16/2025 7:28:00 PM
Thank you, David!
Date: 5/16/2025 5:03:00 PM
Enjoyed this immensely Kim. A lifetime of interesting experiences, and every one in a positive light and told so well. Definitely a favorite for me.
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Date: 5/16/2025 8:35:00 AM
Young people should learn this: you can't tell what will work unless you try it.
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 5/16/2025 10:02:00 AM
Absolutely. Don’t stay stuck. Venture out. Thank you :)
Date: 5/16/2025 6:24:00 AM
Brave enough to chance chances. A great lesson for young people -- you never know until you try -- not to be entirely reckless...but close too it. Thank you for serving our country...chances are so few young poets have -- why your poetry is so interesting. Blessings my friend. You get another FAV!
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 5/16/2025 6:59:00 AM
Thank you so much, Joe! Hugs and all…
Date: 5/16/2025 6:10:00 AM
Reminded me of the song "Chances Are" by Johnny Mathis. Your poem reflects a life of interesting experiences
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 5/16/2025 6:59:00 AM
Thank you, Tom! And yup that song was fantastic!

Book: Reflection on the Important Things