Comment from BermyBye50

Excellent

Reese,

Congrats on the win in the Final Words Contest. Your story is genuine and rich in the retelling. The vernacular used is perfect to that of a Naval veteran and the experience of a Naval officer approaching his final moments is refreshing and real. It is said that "Laughter is the best medicine." Your use of this joyous emotion to covey the reality of a sailors final moment is simply brilliant.

All the best,

Eugene

 Comment Written 06-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 06-Jul-2024

Winning is always fun, but greetings from gentlemen like you mean much more! Thanks for coming by. I was Navy during 'nam and it changed my life. I have printed a copy of this writing, including your great review, for my wife saying, "this is the plan for the end. No tears, just cold beers!!!" There will be a cloud in Heaven which serves. They won't check IDs. I'll buy the first round.

Comment from Teri7

Excellent

This is a really great contest entry you have penned for the writing prompt Final Words contest. It actually was a peaceful read. You used great dialogue and great descriptive words. Best wishes in the contest. Teri

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 04-Jul-2024

"Wishing you fair winds and following seas" is a common Navy good-bye. I used it often back in the day. It is still most relevant to me. I was at a sleepless early morning today that I thought of it as the centerpiece of this prompt. By about 4:30, I had written my response and entered with less than an hour to spare. Glad it had meaning for you. For me, it is example of another old Navy term, "A coordinate by which I'll set my course.' Thanks

Comment from jessizero

Excellent

You told this story very well! You captured my attention at the beginning, and you kept it until the very end. Your characters were likeable and relatable, as well. Thank you for sharing, and best wishes to you.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 04-Jul-2024

Thanks. Glad you liked my tale. I wasn't going to enter this because I don't read or write sad stuff. But, I was up around midnight, could not sleep and I thought of my joke about spending eternity with my wife. Suddenly, shazaam! A glass of Sauvignon blanc and finished it by 4. It ain't easy being me! Have a happy weekend!

Comment from tfawcus

Excellent

I enjoyed this immensely. Perhaps my service background helped! I think we all take death too seriously these days. A bit of black humour never goes astray. If you can't laugh, you can only cry.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 04-Jul-2024

Good onya! Thanks for your thoughtful review. Must tell you one more story. This Texan was on my first business trip around Oz. Caaught a plane late one night in Adelaide for Perth. A friendly gent in the seat by me, upon learning it was my first trip downunder, asked me, "Well what do you think about Australia?" I said, "Love it! Except for y'all's accent and that you drive on the wrong side, it is just like home; It is hot. There are lots of poisonous snakes, all the people are friendly. But, the biggest similarity is at home in Texas, Houston and Dallas debate constantly about which is the best city. Here, Melbourne and Sydney go at each other about everything! Too funny. And he said, "Yes! And those of us from Adelaide or Perth know that they are arguing over 3rd place at best!" Fair dinkum! I miss Australia. Made many trips to every corner and even made it to the end of chain at Uluru. I owe you a pie, mate!