The two letters- Mike and Charlie- are the code we used to enter in the itinerary portion of our travel claims, back when such things were actual pieces of paper. “MC” meant the journey was done, the activity complete, and the mission accomplished.
I did not have that feeling in the afternoon. I was stuck with a feeling of lassitude, looking at images of other peoples monuments to times gone by, and how the people of the present react to them. The water in the pool was chill; Doc said it was about 80 degrees, which would seem temperate in the air, but in the water, it is enough to start to cool the core body temperature, over time.
By the 61st minute of paddling around I was more than ready to have it over, and I shivered visibly in the minor breeze as the sun shone brightly on the pool deck. Seven more swimming days until it is over and I have to figure out some other therapeutic regimen. I squished in my flip-flops back to the unit and got out of the dank trunks and added a sweater to my t-shirt to try to get warm.
Shivering in August. Damn, I thought. Cool summer here. I sat down at the computer to check what might have come in while I was in the water, and saw a text from Mac’s son David. There was an attachment, and I clicked it open.
It was Mac’s birthday yesterday. I had forgotten- this would have marked his 94th year on the planet, and it was a wonderful day for a visit. It would have been a wonderful day to have a beer or a happy hour white at Willow, too.
David found that the people at Arlington Cemetery had placed the headstone on Mac’s grave. I was going to check on that when I go to put flowers on Dan and Vince’s graves on 9/11, but now I can just stop by. With all the rain, the new sod has grown in nicely, rich and green.
I remembered suddenly the panoply of our saying farewell to him. The assembled active duty formations of Officers and Enlisted intelligence Specialist marching with three Vice Admirals at their head to pay respect. The caisson of the Old Guard drawn by their stoic peaceful horses. The Navy band, and the honor guard who fired the 21 guns, and the cannon that signified the tribute to an officer of Flag rank. The piper in full kit, and the mournful sound of his keening reeds.
Mac is at rest with his beloved Billie, I thought at the time, but it was not over, not even close. Now, the grass is lush and the stone white and pristine.
Donald McCollister Showers
RADM US Navy
World War II
Vietnam
AUG 25 1919
OCT 19 2012
MAC
OPINTEL Pioneer
Midway Victory
Now the matter is done.
Mission Complete.
Copyright 2013 Vic Socotra
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