My dear friend took this picture of her husband as he left her and their son to go to Iraq. It really is a simple picture but very loud. The second it came up on my screen, my heart cringed a little and my mind began to race.
I consider myself a compassionate person and would like to believe that I have felt the worry and pride in the families of our troops, simply because I am an American. But, until a few years ago when this man did his first tour in Afghanistan, I never understood the depth of those emotions. The volume on the TV seemed to get louder whenever I heard the word Afghanistan. I would picture my girlfriend sitting in front of her own TV with the same concern.
As I look at this picture of him, and knowing the type of man he is, I imagine his backpack is not only filled with clothes and gear, but with the weight of his family, his friends, his country. I imagine there is a tear or two on his face as he leaves his wife and baby boy. I imagine he's thinking about all the things he's going to miss out on as his son grows and learns. I imagine he can't wait to get settled somewhere so he can have the first video chat with them. I imagine he's already thinking about the first care package from home and seeing the pictures of those he's left behind.
As I look at this picture of him, and knowing the type of man he is, I imagine he is anxious to get on with doing the job he was trained for. I imagine his chest is puffed out a bit knowing he is serving his country in the most deliberate way of all. I imagine he can't wait to fly his first mission, and second and third. I imagine he's looking forward to spending time with his buddies and the support they are for each other. I imagine he's thinking about how much he loves what he is doing and how determined he is to be the best. I imagine he is hoping the time will go by fast.
I don't pretend to know really anything about the fighting that is going on or, for that matter, where. I don't think anyone knows for certain why it truly began. I don't really understand what the mission is, what the goal is. I don't think anyone knows everything about any given location and the extent of the fight, although speculators claim to. I don't know, sometimes, how I feel about it all.
I do know that I support my friend in his mission. I do know that if he feels strongly enough about what he is doing and the reasons for it that the very least I can do is support him, thank him, and pray for him every day. I do know, that simply because I am an American, that it is my inherent duty to support those who are fighting battles for the rest of us. I do know, that simply because I am a friend, it is my inherent duty to be here for his wife simply because.
As I look at this picture of him, and knowing the type of man he is, I wipe the tears from my face, take a deep breath, and wish him luck.
Today's challenge: Whether or not you agree or disagree with the fight, find a way to support those fighting.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Support Our Heroes
My dear friend took this picture of her husband as he left her and their son to go to Iraq. It really is a simple picture but very loud. The second it came up on my screen, my heart cringed a little and my mind began to race.
I consider myself a compassionate person and would like to believe that I have felt the worry and pride in the families of our troops, simply because I am an American. But, until a few years ago when this man did his first tour in Afghanistan, I never understood the depth of those emotions. The volume on the TV seemed to get louder whenever I heard the word Afghanistan. I would picture my girlfriend sitting in front of her own TV with the same concern.
As I look at this picture of him, and knowing the type of man he is, I imagine his backpack is not only filled with clothes and gear, but with the weight of his family, his friends, his country. I imagine there is a tear or two on his face as he leaves his wife and baby boy. I imagine he's thinking about all the things he's going to miss out on as his son grows and learns. I imagine he can't wait to get settled somewhere so he can have the first video chat with them. I imagine he's already thinking about the first care package from home and seeing the pictures of those he's left behind.
As I look at this picture of him, and knowing the type of man he is, I imagine he is anxious to get on with doing the job he was trained for. I imagine his chest is puffed out a bit knowing he is serving his country in the most deliberate way of all. I imagine he can't wait to fly his first mission, and second and third. I imagine he's looking forward to spending time with his buddies and the support they are for each other. I imagine he's thinking about how much he loves what he is doing and how determined he is to be the best. I imagine he is hoping the time will go by fast.
I don't pretend to know really anything about the fighting that is going on or, for that matter, where. I don't think anyone knows for certain why it truly began. I don't really understand what the mission is, what the goal is. I don't think anyone knows everything about any given location and the extent of the fight, although speculators claim to. I don't know, sometimes, how I feel about it all.
I do know that I support my friend in his mission. I do know that if he feels strongly enough about what he is doing and the reasons for it that the very least I can do is support him, thank him, and pray for him every day. I do know, that simply because I am an American, that it is my inherent duty to support those who are fighting battles for the rest of us. I do know, that simply because I am a friend, it is my inherent duty to be here for his wife simply because.
As I look at this picture of him, and knowing the type of man he is, I wipe the tears from my face, take a deep breath, and wish him luck.
Today's challenge: Whether or not you agree or disagree with the fight, find a way to support those fighting.
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Wonderful post as always! Thank u troops for fighting for our country xoxo
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