Another Ahab
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What USMC 00-08 says is all true.
I'm a bit sensitized from a fireworks episode of a buddy of mine who happens to be an architect. Years ago on a Fourth of July, he's playing with his son in the yard with fireworks. Lights one (I don't know what it was), the fuse burns down, but it doesn't go off. He waits a little. Picks it up. Holds it up to where he can see it better....he lost his eye. Just like that. One second he had perfect vision; in the next he's down to one eye.
He cut a mean figure. He wore a black eye patch. Said it was great for his business. He'd go to social functions and said everybody would be talking about him (you know politely and quietly, but noticing him for sure). He said he got more business that way (" ...lost his eye to a firecracker; he's an architect....).
We were camping together once (this is years ago). My cousin was with us, we're making small talk at the fire. The man claimed the eyepatch was a ladies magnet also (he was a bit of a rake; never divorced, but then I believe I heard that momma had her sure of fun to match his. There are lots of ways to work a marriage). My cousin asked if he'd trade all that (the constant business, the don juan living), and he didn't hesitate. What he said was "Life with one-eye is good, but life with two eyes? It's always better". He wasn't bitter. He was just matter-of-fact. I haven't seen the man in years.
I'm a bit sensitized from a fireworks episode of a buddy of mine who happens to be an architect. Years ago on a Fourth of July, he's playing with his son in the yard with fireworks. Lights one (I don't know what it was), the fuse burns down, but it doesn't go off. He waits a little. Picks it up. Holds it up to where he can see it better....he lost his eye. Just like that. One second he had perfect vision; in the next he's down to one eye.
He cut a mean figure. He wore a black eye patch. Said it was great for his business. He'd go to social functions and said everybody would be talking about him (you know politely and quietly, but noticing him for sure). He said he got more business that way (" ...lost his eye to a firecracker; he's an architect....).
We were camping together once (this is years ago). My cousin was with us, we're making small talk at the fire. The man claimed the eyepatch was a ladies magnet also (he was a bit of a rake; never divorced, but then I believe I heard that momma had her sure of fun to match his. There are lots of ways to work a marriage). My cousin asked if he'd trade all that (the constant business, the don juan living), and he didn't hesitate. What he said was "Life with one-eye is good, but life with two eyes? It's always better". He wasn't bitter. He was just matter-of-fact. I haven't seen the man in years.
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