“It Is What It is”

“It Is What It is”

Encounter with Random Vet at Safeway:

Observed tired vet carrying an olive green duffle bag in line at the “Deli”.

Ed.            Tentatively politely                 With which branch did you serve?

Vet.      With a weary tone                  I served with the SEALS. …

Ed.            Shocked at the lack of pride, I am confused.

Vet.      With a weary tone explaining            I was a weapons designer. Some guys went, “Urrah" look at the body count. Some agonized. They told me, “It is what it is”.

It is what it is.

Ed.       Tentatively politely                        I served four years in peacetime. But the first time you shoot at a human shaped target you know, “It is what it is”.

Vet.      Nods

Awkward pause

Ed            Summing up                           Thank you for the insight you’ve given me.

Vet            Embarrassed                          (Grunts)