The main theme in this piece is the aloneness of the vet and if he is to experience anything outside of that aloneness, others would need to be aware at all times (as the vet is) that SOME things are 24/7.
I have stenosis of the spine and I can tell you, IT has taken control of my every waking moment.
I still function and sometimes I'm relatively pain free.
There ARE times when I am in great pain and I need to sit down after only a few minutes walking.
THAT'S how I liken this author's understand and writing about veterans.
There IS an ever present sense of, "only me and my buddies ... and they're gone" ... which can be a controlling element in the everyday life of a veteran.
I ESPECIALLY liked the comment about blissful do nothing.
I KNOW that one and my workaholic, OCD wife just is not able to be part of that world.
“...my workaholic, OCD wife just is not able to be part of that world.”
But aren’t you glad to be married to one? I know I am. And blissful do nothing is part of this vet’s every day.
;^)