I'm Still Me

Things I liked before the mission: 50's diners, soccer, sad movies, playing the piano.
Things I like now: 50's diners, soccer, sad movies, playing the piano.
Nicaragua changed me, but not that much. 

I understand that this is kind of a tough spot for everyone to be in. Nobody knows what to say because maybe they've never been in this situation before. 

Let me help you: Treat me like a normal human being. 

I'm home. Everyone knows I'm home. I'm not hiding anything, so don't treat me like I am. I don't need those awkward looks of sympathy and confusion from across the room. Come over, say hi, ask me how I'm doing, ask about Nicaragua. I might tear up a little bit, but that's because I miss Nicaragua! I loved my mission! I could talk about it for days! I'm not ashamed of anything. If you have a question, ask!

I'm not planning on becoming a recluse and hiding in a dark corner in my house. I am going to live my life. I am going to hang out with my friends here in Tucson. I am going to run errands for my mom. I am going to visit the doctors and do my physical therapy. But in between all that, I'm going to be out and about, living life just like I did before. Just because I came home early from my mission does not mean I don't have the right to enjoy my life. 

Men are that they might have joy. There isn't a conditional clause there saying "Men are that they might have joy, unless they came home early from their mission." Happiness is a choice. I choose to be happy - wherever I am. I'm still me.