Seventeen Years Ago

Seventeen years ago today, I left home to join the Air Force. I have forgotten so many of the details on that trip, but what I do remember is that I felt a bit like an adult. I had a suitcase and a plane ticket, both very grown-up items.

I usually remember this date. This year is different. I left seventeen years ago when I was seventeen. I have lived outside of Rhode Island as long as I lived in it. A turning point. Equal. Halved. It’s like the glass that caused debate on its fullness or emptiness.