Letting Go is Hard
Mike and Sarah on their final walk as a military couple.
As we have completed the final week of ceremonies, goodbyes, relocations, and other events, I wanted to share my thoughts and emotions regarding the experience.
Transitions can be challenging, especially when it involves leaving a career that one has devoted their life to. Even though I have been doing a lot of non-professional work, I have felt that I have been preparing myself for this moment for the past year. However, the reality is that I was still not fully ready for it emotionally.
As I passed the Brigade colors to the Commander for the final time, the weight of the moment almost made me collapse. I felt numb as I read my speech, as if I were detached from the moment and the words on the page.
As I returned to my family and sat down, the reality of the moment hit me. I felt uncertain about the new beginning ahead, where I wouldn't be known as Ranger Mike or CSM, but just “Regular Mike.” I almost felt like crying, wondering who I was without my uniform.
As I approached my wife, she seemed to understand the thoughts running through my mind. She stood and we hugged. At that moment, I realized I could be just "regular Mike."
As "Regular Mike," I can finally be the father I always wanted to be, but couldn't due to the demands of military service. I no longer have to ask my family to move every few years, and I can be a more attentive and considerate husband who prioritizes my wife's wants and needs. Additionally, I can focus more on my writing, podcasting, and involvement with the AIP and Legends of the 75th team. Most importantly, I can let go of the constant weight of combat and the uncertainty of deployment to distant lands. After 25 years, it's a surreal feeling to let go of that weight.
As we hugged longer than was probably appropriate, I felt that everyone was waiting for the final and most important part of the ceremony to begin. But at that moment, I knew that "Regular Mike" was excited, even though the future was uncertain.
The military has provided me with many opportunities and has played a significant role in shaping who I am. However, it has also come with its own set of sacrifices. Now that I am transitioning out of the military, I am excited to focus on new opportunities and being "Regular Mike", a man who prioritizes his family and will no longer ask them to make sacrifices. My attention will now be directed towards giving my all to my family, just as I did for the military over the last 24 years.
I’m ready to let go!
I hope this adds value to your life
~Mike
