Lucky to be alive

I have one friend of mine who is a double amputee and another who is a single amputee. They both stepped on an IED last year. This is dedicated to them both. I am grateful they are still alive.

I remember both of these days so clearly. I am just glad I was able to stay in the fight.

 

My heart sank as low as it possibly could.

For in that very moment, so still the world had stood.

I didn't want to believe what I had heard.

My mind went blank and the voice I was hearing became slurred.

 

Why couldn't this have just been a dream?

I wanted to wake from this nightmare and let out a scream.

My world began to spin and I suddenly turned blind.

Thoughts of anger and denial had entered my mind.

 

All I could think to myself was "Why him and not me?".

Not knowing if he would live to see another day was a tough reality.

I was frozen in shock from head to toe.

Unsure of what to do, I let the tears flow.

 

I had a few friends join me at the side.

They remained with me until my tears dried.

I was told to not worry much and to stay strong.

When it came time to rest, I stayed awake all night long.

 

A few months had passed and the wonderful news came.

He was declared alive and well although he would never be the same.

As happy as could be, he no longer suffered from pain.

He was finally home with his life which he was able to retain.

 

Its been a long while since I last talked to him.

I know in my heart that he is still a good friend.

I am just glad that he is alive.

He truly is lucky that he was able to survive.