Family of Fellows

Getting up early to embark on a trip, a snowy drive to Jersey. Trying to quell my heart's rapid beats, favored songs in my speakers. "Hey man, I don't want to be alone, not for this - not again." "I've got you, bud - when and where?" Visiting his grave one more time, now two years from the day. Thinking of stories of him, trying to remember his voice. Two vets talking near a silent one; chatting about old times and new. I think he'd like to chime in, and wish he could so bend our ears. I didn't have to go there solo this round, though it wouldn't be the first or last time. My request for help via companionship, so swiftly asked and answered. Some brothers don't have the same blood that runs through your veins; through deed they cement the same bond, through trials they bear the same scars. Whenever you can, find these souls, these spirits kind and kindred; for when you fall, you may be stunned at the number of hands there to lift you.