0215: The electrodes, they say, make better contact if I shave my head, but I'm not about to keep a buzz cut for life. I did that in my junior years, but now my hair waves, a trait from my grandparents. I seek a respite from active studies, to embrace the human pursuits that give life its worth—creation, relaxation, projects with a natural flow. It's not disdain, but rather a reverence for these notions. A recent class graduation reminded me of the joint charge and family mentality, men and women from all walks of life collaborating to create an amalgamation of experiences. We must never forget what we endured, guided to a path anew, yet familiar. Together, from our past, we step into the future. A light that pierces through deep waters, uneven ground, and obscure skies. Fair winds and following seas to my graduating class. In a small service compared to the world, we continue to answer the call, our beacon like a shot throughout the bough. We are the best of who we are at this moment, a visage of what we can become. For you, I will. For us, I can be. Until we meet again, find me in the drift, in what we call space, the frontier—not the final, but the high frontier.
0110: It was calculated how much I am saving in healthcare costs, despite my coverage as a service member. However, it was also considered the potential worst-case scenarios and their associated costs had I continued on a path of what my colleagues called "controlled degradation." I prefer "controlled ascent" or "descent," depending on the perspective. It's true, I have broken sleep, but each hour I recall experiences from the day. This slow learning process contrasts with my former rapid data ingestion, feeling as if I'm uploading varied experiences in sleep to commit to active memory. This biological and biochemical process, a small section from my old Anatomy & Physiology II class, explains my persistent memory. How I remember things one should forget, I can't explain, but I believe I've developed an ability to place markers throughout these points of reference. Colleagues liken them to kidney stones that don't pass, causing migraines. Yet, I manage these pains by isolating and dulling them. Physically, my pulsing veins indicate focus, often combined with natural endorphins, epinephrine, or cortisol. My remote team of "extraordinary physicians" (some still students) have been crucial in my journey. While I may never be fully cured, I am now manageable, offering comfort to those around me. I remain your Guardian, a name meaning "gift," and a gift I shall always be.
