Your ending lines- I do not think you are alone in that. I've never met a Vet in real life say that. That I have read something similar to your ending lines in a book by another Vietnam Vet, and in that book, he mentioned a few quotes from some of his other war buddies who expressed something similar- either that or just the EXCITEMENT of it all that they sometimes missed, even when dealing with all their ghosts.
Take Care, I enjoy reading your posts.