With Valentine’s Day just past, I find that I occasionally think back on the “What-might-have-beens” in my life. When I come across someone offering to pay me to take a walk down memory lane, the urge becomes irresistible. As with most of us, I’ve had a few relationships in my life. Some I ended and some were ended for me this is a tale of the latter.

I graduated from The United States Naval Recruit Training Facility in January of 1988. At the time I was seeing a girl named Michelle, whom my parents agreed to allow to travel down to San Diego with them. Needless to say, one certain 19 year-old boy was ecstatic. Not only was I going to see my mother, my step father and my little sister (who had quite a following among my shipmates, mind you), but I also got to spend time with the girl I’d had on my mind the whole time I’d been in basic training. What could be better?

The day went well. We visited the San Diego zoo, ate at several great seaside restaurants, stood beside the Star of India with her majestic masts pointing like beacons of hope toward the heavens and the siren song of the sea all around her. We generally had a wonderful time. That night of course, she dumped me, telling me she’d met someone else while I was away.

Do I have regrets? No. I am completely in love with my wife, I’m content in the knowledge that I am the best father I can be each and every day and I wouldn’t change the painful moments of my life that made me the man I am. I have not seen her since that day but i hope and pray that wherever she is right now, she’s happy and as content as I am.

I’m going back to San Diego one day though. I’d love to take my wife and my sons to the zoo, perhaps book a tour through Trusted Tours & Attractions and show my family where I made the transition from a boy to a man. (with the help of Petty Officers Westlake and Dimalanta (The Demon Dragon.))

If you’d like to learn more, and possibly Win a free digital camera, sign up for the TT&A Newsletter and have a bit of fun in Sand-Dawg this winter, it really is the best time to go. Of course, you can always check them out for other vacation ideas.

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