John

Four years ago the world changed, you just didn’t realize how much till now. When World War 3 greeted the world with an atomic blast, most countries initiated a lottery system for “recruiting” soldiers. Whenever the numbers were getting low, a computer would magically spit out the names of the new recruits. As if assigning death warrants can really be that simple. A small percentage of the soldiers were volunteers. John is one of the volunteers. When he heard you won the lottery -you lucky idiot- he volunteered without hesitation.

It’s late at night when you and John finally return to base camp after an extensive reconnaissance mission. Completely exhausted your body collapses onto your bunk. You stare at John as he cleans his equipment. He’s smiling. It doesn’t matter what life throws at this man, nothing can get him down. How does he do it? What’s his secret?

The next morning you receive your orders. Your platoon will infiltrate the enemy town in three days. You did the reconnaissance; you know this is a death sentence. You’ve survived many battles with John by your side. But this is something else. After the briefing you sit down with John. You want to remain composed, but you can’t help noticing the pain and concern in his eyes. You were convinced of the level of screwed you found yourself in, but one look in his eyes and your mind goes into the foetal position and starts sucking its invisible thumb. John stands up with new found determination in his eyes “I have to go.”

The next three days you prepare as best you can. Your helmet and face mask does well to hide your tears. Fear consumes your soul and strips you of any strength you might have posessed. Where is John? You need him now. Did he go home? Volunteers can opt out if they wish to do so. You can’t really blame him. It was foolish for him to come in the first place just to help you. You heard a rumour that he requested to leave the army. You didn’t want to believe it. An hour before your convoy leaves, John rushes into your barracks sporting his familiar smile. It comforts your tormented nerves. He sticks some papers in your hand. He salutes you and with pride says: “It has been awesome serving with you.” Before you can realize what’s happening, two soldiers ask you for the papers and they escort you out.

Two days later you’re home intently watching CNN. Somehow John managed to swap your records. Now he’s the unlucky lotto guy and you’re the volunteer who bailed. Tears well in your eyes and your throat chokes up when you think about it. The news isn’t good. The next day you receive confirmation of his death. Your painful heart struggles to keep you alive. It doesn’t really want to beat anymore. You remember his smile and you crumble onto the floor.

What now?

In eleven years you’ll stand on the deck of a warship. The sun will set behind you and three thousand men will stand in front of you. You will tell them about John. You will tell them that he sacrificed his life so that you could live. You will tell them that he didn’t die in vain. You will become a key commander in the war. Eventually you will strike the final blow.

You'd better pick yourself up from the floor and start working on that!

___________________

When you’re broken and you ask, now what? Know that there is an answer.
And if someone sacrificed something for you, get up off the floor and make it count.