Just returned from the tournament banquet. One of the guys had his two grown daughters with him, and they sat across from us at dinner. They were quite a contrast.
The older one is very flighty. She reminded me of Bette Midler, both in looks and some of the mannerisms that fit her “dingy” roles. She was complaining that she was full, but still begged Daddy to take her out for some lobster bisque.
The other is a former Marine. She was in the Gulf War in 1991, and is one of the Marines who ended up with some neurological problems. There is some question as to the cause, but a dozen of them came down with the same symptoms. Because of her medication, she was medically retired–she could no longer carry a weapon and couldn’t, therefore, be a Marine. She isn’t pleased about being out of the Corps, but is moving on in her life.
I was struck with the difference. Two girls reared by the same parents with such different outlooks on life. The younger one was definitely in charge. I asked, “Which one is the Marine?” The older one was insulted. “You have to ask?” No, but thought I should. I don’t want to stereotype.
Training. Boot Camp. Life Change.
Those of us with a military background often take that training for granted. Those without it sometimes don’t understand. Self-confidence is misdiagnosed as arrogance. Maybe there is some of that, too. When dealing with those who’ve not been through it, perhaps we get a bit arrogant.
This woman wasn’t arrogant, but she had little patience with Big Sister and her whining.