19

Nineteen isn't a very big number.  It's not significant number for most people.  If you are 19 years old, its your last year of being a teenager.  At 18 you got to vote and legally became an adult.  19 isn't a big deal unless you live in Canada, then you're old enough to drink, and go to the bars.  In the US 19 is normally a Freshman or Sophomore at college.  Maybe not 100% on your own, but you are on your way.

If you enlisted out of high school 19 means you've got about a year in and you've finished most of your schools for your MOS.  If you've hustled and proved yourself and preformed you might even get a bump in rank, or be close to getting one.  The future can look pretty good after 19 years.

How long is 19 years?  I guess that depends if you are looking forward or backward.  If you are 1 year into a 20 year prison sentence it probably looks pretty long.  If you're 19 years old, it looks like your entire life.  If you're 19 looking forward that's 38 years old.  Maybe not ancient but you can see the old folks home from there.  If you are 38 looking backwards 19 was yesterday and man what you know now that you wish you knew then.

19 years ago today was a Saturday.  The weather was nice.  The temperature was pleasant and the sun was out.  I got to hang out with some good friends, nice buffet lunch.  I think there was cake, or something.  Got the truck loaded up canoe and all.  Then I headed north.

I spent the night in the Soo and finished the drive in the morning.  I'd never been on the Trans Canadian Highway before.  It's not really much of a Highway but the scenery was pretty.  I made it to Joe and Paula's place. 

That was my first time spending a week fishing in Canada.  What a trip.