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I remember that before I left the number one concerny amongst most of my friends and family, even if not spoken, was that I would come back a different man. Well normally i just laughed and said of course I'm going to change to a point, but you know I'll still be mostly the same guy. Well today I was reading through some posts and just news articles and thought what would the Paul from six months ago have thought of all this and I thought with a little laugh, boy I'm way too serious. Not to mention a bit more.. well high and mighty about my views on how things should be. Not a jerk, I hope, mind you.. simply I can't stand by and let other people just run over what I believe. So I suppose you could say somehow the tempermental Paul is even a bit more so now. Watch out!
Though in all seriousness its just odd to notice such a massive change, I think mostly I don't mind so much calling myself a man now, which is nice btw being twenty now and what not. Its simply.. well I suppose a little heartbreaking not to be the boy and teenager I once was. It was nice back then to be well a little more playey and not so sure about the world. Now well I suppose in my mind I live in a world that is alive and real, not a bleak or bright one, simply one that exists. Well I could say a lot more, but I don't have so much time over here right now. Hope you all are doing well, take it as easy as you can.
Posts: 1753 | Registered: May 2001
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It is irrantional to expect you not to change. You are at the age in your life where you will do a great deal of growing and, hopefully, maturing. Your age and being intimately involved in war will change you. There is nothing wrong with that. Change can be a good thing.
I am looking forward to getting to know my brother again when he returns from his mission in a month. I know that, having not seen him for these two years, he will not be the same person he was when he left (I know I was different when I returned too). But, that is to be expected. I look forward to meeting the new Jon. Likewise, your family and friends should look forward to meeting the new and improved Paul. Posts: 5879 | Registered: Apr 2001
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Paul, you've had an experience that changes your world view in a way that few of us could ever experience. Be strong, thank you for your efforts and come home safe and soon!
Posts: 2848 | Registered: Feb 2003
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Paul, I cannot imagine what you have been through, but it must have been a huge, life altering experience. I hope some day you'll tell us about it.
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Ditto what ginette said. I don't believe I will ever be as brave and strong as you and your fellows Posts: 3420 | Registered: Jun 2002
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Well I have to admit there are some things I would rather not talk about when it comes to being over here. Though I will say that its been rather stressful and to be honest I believe when I go back to the "civilian" world I don't think I'll be able to find something this stressful. Though to admit I want a hard job, one that does take a lot from me. Sooo hopefully I'll be able to get admitted to a college with my low high school gpa but middling ACT (29).
Posts: 1753 | Registered: May 2001
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Having changed... ::grins:: you are still as if not more wonderful than ever. Just wanted to say I love you. It was so great to hear your voice yesterday!
.../derail.
...Oh yes, and to anyone laughing. Posts: 1548 | Registered: Aug 2002
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Funny how people see things differently. When I spoke to you on AIM yesterday, Paul, what struck me was that we were talking about the same things we always talk about (how to change the world) in much the same way, except that we both have some more experience of actually doing so in our respective ways. You are a new, improved Paul, perhaps, but you still have many of the same characteristics and think in the same characteristic way that I remember and love so well. (just because I wanted to use that smiley).
Posts: 1550 | Registered: Jun 1999
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Yes, I agree with Amira, Paul. You are changed, but still the same. From talking to you on AIM you seem stronger and more able to accept the good and bad things that life sends you with equanimity, but also you are still yourself. You still care about people as you always have and you still are the same Paul inside, if maybe a little quieter.
I only hope I will weather my experiences over there, which I expect to be much less stressful than yours have been, with equal grace.
Posts: 2843 | Registered: A Long Time Ago!
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Welcome back, Fox; it's good to see you are doing well. We were worried for you, and tought of you whenever we were on hatrack....not often enough, but still...
Kwea
P.S. a 29 on the ACT is great....don't sell yourself short. I got a 26, and was told that the equilivent score on the SAT is a 1250-1300, so you should be able to qualify for just about any school with a 29....
quote:Paul, I cannot imagine what you have been through, but it must have been a huge, life altering experience. I hope some day you'll tell us about it.
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It was so great to hear your voice yesterday! ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
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to anyone laughing. ![[Party]](graemlins/party.gif)
