A job I'd like to have...
I would like to be an engineer and a mechanic.
Not an "engineer" as in plug your set top box into the wall, rather, designing and machining mechanical parts.
Not a so called "mechanic" who changes brake pads and shoes, not replacing filters or spark plugs (we usually call those people fitters rather than a mechanics and their pride gets butt hurt). A real mechanic, a person that tears down engines just for the fun of it. Someone who welds go karts from scrap.
Being born in Tipton where'd you see more tatter vans and os's than programmers, I assume this is why I enjoy it. Also the sleek shine of metal is pretty hypnotising, no?
Also good luck with your army career. My grandfather was a para trooper, a true soldier and true Englishman to his core. Fought many battles in the second war along with his father who was a veteran of the first.
He was offered many rising ranks and refused each one saying something like "I prefer to fight with my sons". He said his platoon considered each other their son, and protected each other as such. He had risked his life many times and saved countless men, English, French, Dutch and American alike. Friends he made he lost, sometimes within minutes I remember him coldly saying. As intrigued as I was to hear all his stories, I always saw the light in his eyes dim.
For you to be in school still I imagine you have no army experience, so for you to be in charge of men, for my sanity I hope you don't let him down.
I have a drawn picture of him along with something he said to me almost a decade ago, perhaps you would like to hear them, from para to para. From a man who has seen more death than you and I ever will.
What manner of manner of men are these who wear the red beret?
They have shown themselves as tenacious and determined in defence.
As they are courageous in attack.
They are in fact, men apart.
Every man an emporer.
|
Thomas Edmunds, 1925-2006.
Rest in peace you 'ard sod.