Something Like Normal(52)
Anyway, I ended up being sent to bomb dog school. At first I was against it because it means going out on more patrols when we go back to Afghanistan, but dude… this is probably the coolest thing I’ve ever done. My dog is a black Lab named Bodhi, which your mom says is a Sanskrit word that means “awakening” and claims it’s a sign that he is the right dog for me. I’m not sure that’s true, but I like him a lot. Bodhi is finishing up some training while I’m on leave, so I won’t see him again until the airport. I’m not saying I want to go back to that shithole of a country, but I’m looking forward to working with my dog again.
Right now, I’m in Maine visiting my new girlfriend, Harper. I’m not sure how this whole long-distance thing is going to work, but she says she’ll be here when I get back. I have to believe, though, because that’s the kind of girl she is. You’d really like her and I know she’d like you, too.
Maybe you know all this stuff already. Maybe you’re hanging with the Buddha, watching us try to figure out how life is supposed to work without you. But if you don’t know, it’s not easy. Sometimes it feels like I’ve left the water running or forgot to lock the door, and then I remember and it sucks all over again. Maybe someday we’ll see each other again, Charlie. For real, I mean. Until then, save me a seat, okay?
~Solo
Acknowledgments
Thanks to…
The 3rd Battalion 6th Marines, whose experiences in Afghanistan shaped this book. And to Clint Van Winkle, whose book Soft Spots: A Marine’s Memoir of Combat and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was enormously inspiring.
Maximilian and Didie Uriarte for letting me ask the questions and the members of Terminal Lance (especially MoMo) for answering.
SSgt. Zachary Strelke, LCpl. Ceejay Maxwell, Cpl. Ben Harris, LCpl. Ben Lyons, Sgt. Alex Piasecki, Cpl. Cliff “Ski” Kralewski, Sgt. Jeremy Goldman, LCpl. Jared Perumal, Tony Rash, and US Army Master Sgt. Jarrod Griffith for going above and beyond. And all the thanks in the world is not enough for LCpl. David Backhaus.
Bloggers Danielle Benedetti, Carla Black, Chelsea Swiggett, Adele Walsh, and Gail Yates for being my personal cheerleading squad. You are all totally awesome.
Mahnoor Yahwar for helping me navigate Islamic customs, letting me borrow one of your kissing stories, and being a wonderful friend. (You have dibs.)
Josh Berk, Tara Kelly, Miranda Kenneally, Amy Spalding, Cheryl Macari, and the crew of Barnes & Noble 2711 in Fort Myers, Florida, for support, advice, critiques, and—the best part—the friendships.
Suzanne Young for everything. I don’t know what I’d do without you.
My agent, Kate Schafer Testerman, who believed in me—and Travis. I wouldn’t have wanted to make this journey with anyone else.
Michelle Nagler at Bloomsbury for taking a chance on an uncommon protagonist, and Victoria Wells Arms for pushing when I didn’t always want to be pushed. It was always in the right direction and ultimately led to a better book, and I’m so grateful for that.
My mom, Mary Singler, who cries when she reads this book and tells me she’s proud. Thank you for helping me become someone of whom you could be proud.
Jack and Marilyn Doller for their love and support, and to Sharon Doller, who has made this journey in my heart.
Scott and Caroline, who are the best people I know. I hope one day you find something that fulfills you the same way writing does for me, no matter what it is.
And finally, Phil. Because I love you best of all.