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November 03, 2005
The Tunnel Rat And The Dragon
I was in another town the other day, talking with my good friend John, and learned something. John, who is older than I, is the type of guy you want to have around when the chips are down. I mean, he is a standup get down type of guy and he’ll cover your back. When the shit hits the fan, you can always depend on John. John understands Honor. John knows what true friendship is. John is a humble man. John is a bad ass, some bad bad fucking juju. John was badly wounded many times in the Nam. John killed many people. John is fearless. John is not afraid of anything. Anything.
Among other things, he was a Tunnel Rat.
John had just been to his doctor who informed him that, in his opinion, the muscles in his heart were deteriorating. His doctor said, “you might die soon�, but “we’ll run some tests in two days.� John said to me, “You know Yabu, if I die, so be it. I should have died when I was twenty. The last forty years were a gift. I remember when I was twenty years of age, laying in that rice paddy in Viet Nam amongst my buddies brains, intestines, and severed limbs. The first time, I was the only one not hit. The VC even blew up the chopper. Everyone died but me. So whatever happens, “I’m OK with it.�
This happened on his first tour, he volunteered for two more, and was wounded multiple times on four separate occasions.
Anyway, I could hardly swallow when I asked him – “If you do die, can I have your Pearl .45’s?� You might think this callous, but you’re wrong; it’s the way true friends communicate. He said, “they’re yours my friend, but first, let us chase the dragon.�
Cut to the chase…and cut to the chase we did. We chased that fucking dragon for two days straight. He had a kilo of pure, and I do mean pure.
Many years ago, we discussed this same situation. Very interesting - how people reflect.
Bottom Line: The doctor was wrong, and John and I have some more drinking and talking and chasing to do. Life is good!
But I still want the fucking .45’s.
And for those of you who don’t know…chasing the dragon is some serious Bad Bad Juju.
Posted by Yabu at November 3, 2005 08:17 PM | The Past
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Spill the wine my friend. Spill the wine. Just Damn!
Posted by: Dax Montana at November 3, 2005 08:28 PM
I'm ignorant...I get the general idea...but not really.
Posted by: Kelly at November 4, 2005 07:51 AM
