That was one phrase I hated the most. However hated it may be, I realised, not too long after, it was for the better.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hanging on.
A battalion with 10 men marching in treacherous enemy ground. They had been on the same mission for 3 weeks and were worn out. They had lost 5 other men in action. Their mission was to get out alive.
"Hang in there brothers!" the all familiar voice of their Captain,weary but yet firm, weakly wriggled it's way through the dusty air.
All were in total submission, believed in obedience without question. The soldiers marched on, rushed into combat if they must. All but one.
They were different individual, had different dreams and jobs. Yet were united for one purpose; to get home safely. All united but one.
The one soldier decided to give up. He was not willing to fight on; an empty vessel, a foolish child. The Captain said nothing and continued the long journey, one that promised death to the weak.
A bridge was up ahead and to survive, they must cross it. With enemy zooming right up their trail, they had little time to negotiate the tatty old wooden bridge, littered with mutilated bodies; a scary reminder of the possible consequences if they fail their misson.
Luck was not with them and the Nazi infantry and armour division caught up. Five tanks and fifty men in total. They were forced into combat once again.
With commands from the Captain, they managed to stop stall enough time to escape by blowing the bridge. However, the unwilling soldier didn't hang on and was slow. The bridge blew up before he intercepted it and was left behind to the Germans.
Hanging on requires endurance and perseverance in their highest form. This true test will determine who hangs out and who lets go. Only the strong ones will make it.
As a saying goes," Success only comes if you decide to hang on when others have let go."
I know it's tough. Battlefields are not easy but are necessary. The war will be over soon.
Hang in there. Promise me you don't let go now. The fruits of your labour will surely be pleasant!
