December 7, 1941
I've been searching every recess of my brain the past year, trying to recollect what happened in one of my prior lives. I believe for someone who is not worthy, they will not be accepted into heaven. Therefor they will be reincarnated into another life in the future after they die. So after all my soul searching, I have come up with this. This was my previous life. This could be the biggest fantasy in the world or maybe it is a possibility.
Ding, Ding, Ding - time to get up. Its 5 am on December 7, 1941, my shift cleaning in the engine room starts at 6. So I must get ready quickly and go to the mess and get something to eat. I'm still quite groggy from the night before. I was out on liberty dancing and drinking till past midnight. Didn't find a girl who liked me. But hey I'm 19, I've got lotsa time to find a lady. My name's William. most people call me Billy. I'm a Seaman 3rd class on The USS Oklahoma, the finest Battleship in the US Navy. We are moored in Battleship row at Pearl Harbor. I'm not the brightest bulb as it were. I barely made it through high school in Independence Missouri. I was so lucky my Dad was friends with the local navy recruiter. I made it though basic and was lucky enough to find a ship. I'm at the bottom of the barrel, I mainly clean stuff and follow orders. I hope someday I can find my way into gunnery and be part of the crew for our big 14 inch guns. We have sailed to many ports and each one has been an adventure for me in the last year. Wow, who would have ever thought this loser from Independence would have seen the world.
So I made it down to the engine room and the Chief in charge said to get a mop and bucket and start swabbing the floor. Oh well the dreams of working in the big guns will have to wait. Still as I continue my mopping thoughts enter my head. The Fun I had last night, wishing I was still asleep in my bunk, dreaming I was an officer with everyone saluting and respecting me. Then at about 7 am, out of my daydreams I was leapt. I could hear guns, sirens, explosions outside the ship barely audible in the depth of the hull. Was it a drill? Then our siren went off. What the hell was going on??? Then BOOM a huge explosion , seconds later BOOOOOOOM. Everyone in my area was frantic. The Chief said we got hit by torpedoes. The Loudspeaker was calling to get to battle stations. Then several more huge explosions. The ship was shaking violently. The Chief said get out of here and get up top to help. I ran for the stairs frantic and full of fear.
I got up several decks and several more massive explosions. I saw some wounded men, it was horrible, some with no arms or legs, blood every where. The ship started to roll, the deck was tilting. We were starting to roll over and sink. How was this possible. I couldn't go up anymore, the ship had almost completely turned over. I was trapped in a small compartment with a couple of guys I didn't know. Water was coming in. I had no idea where I was or how to get out. The power went out, it was pitch black. The other 2 guys tried to swim and find a door and a way out. I never saw them again. I kept trying to find a door or opening of some kind but it was dark and the area was filling rapidly with water.
So this was it, I'm 19 years old and I'm going to die in the hull of a Battleship. I kept yelling and screaming for help. I don't want to die. I'm too young. I'm not ready yet. I want to get married, have kids. I want to get a good job and have a nice car and yard. Its not fair for someone so young. The water keeps its relentless pace. I only have a tiny space now with my head against the bulkhead. I pray for God to help. The only answer is the water now is almost to my mouth. Mom and Dad, I miss you so much and love you.
I wish I could have been a better son and not so much of a disappointment. The water is now over my head. I'm holding my breath. I know I cant do that forever. I hope I go to heaven. Please take me God.
Darkness.
Many years later....Waaaa, Waaaa, Waaaa. In a delivery room outside of Pittsburgh, PA. Oooooo its a baby boy...... A man was heard saying, I think we'll name him Harrison.
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