CLOSE TO HOME
I read an article today on CCN about the fallen troops in Iraq today. And I am sad today that like most American I don’t give it much of thought. I see the caskets returning and I get a little misty. But I don’t know these solider. And I continue on with my life.
The article I read today was about the nicknames they have, some given by parents and friends and some by the people that they serve with. A nickname can tell you a lot about that person. What people who knew them thought about them.
As I read this article I was hurt and shamed of myself. I might say a cursory prayer for the soldiers there and I was done. I am ashamed of myself. Regardless of whether I am for this war or against this war I support the people there doing what our government has asked of them.
My youngest son has set his mind, body, and spirit in becoming a U.S. Marine Corp Officer. As he gets closer to graduating from college this year and obtaining his commission this war is beginning to hit closer to home. I began to think about all the names I have called him doing his life. All of my sons as babies were called pook-wook- no particular reason, I liked the way it sounded and the way they would twist their mouths whenever I would say it as if they were trying to mock me. I have wrecked my mind this morning trying to think of a nickname that I called him that would encompass all that he is. And the more I thought about it the only name that comes is Jeremy.
I’m sure as the day of his commission gets closer I will start to pay more attention to the troops there. I’m sure as the day gets closer my prayers will become more impassioned. I’m sure as the day get closer I will become more ashamed of myself for the cursory prayers that I prayed.
May the Lord God bless and protect our troops. May He guide them in their endeavors, make them strong where they are weak, and touch each of them as they go about their journeys. Lord God continue to keep Your arms wrapped strongly around them. And Father if they fall gather them and take them to live in peace with you. AMEN
Unless it’s close to home or you have someone in harm’s way, it can be hard to focus on the daily occurring deaths there.
I keep an eye out because I know many of my old friends are still maintaining for Uncle Sam. I hold no grudges against them. They’re doing the job they volunteered to do. Doesn’t make me any more forgiving of our government though. They are the ones who know they’re doing wrong–by our country and our fighting men and women. Each death is a testament to their greed.
I can only pray your son isn’t one who ends up succumbing to something built around a lie.
Glad to see you posting–hate it has to be under these circumstances.
Comment by Yolanda — October 30, 2005 @ EthGMT