Every person in Jonesboro should visit an airport now just to let the reality that we are at war sink in. Unless we have a family member or friend actually in Iraq, it is easy to live our insulated life and read about it and feel empathy for the families and for our young people serving, still staving off the impact. To sit in an airport as I did this last week in Columbia, SC, and talk with young people who have just finished their reserve training, many of whom are bound for home to say goodbye before reporting for more training, is an experience which is visual. I talked with a young woman from Massachusetts who, when I told her that I appreciate what she is doing, responded with tears in her eyes that it means so much to just hear those words, just a simple thank you for joining to protect her country’s values. My seatmate was a young man who was going to Kansas City to briefly visit his parents and then go on to Fort Carson, Colorado. He was so thoughtful and offered me a piece of gum as we landed. No way would I have refused and enjoyed my first piece in ages! He was so childlike in his sweetness, telling me it would help my ears when we landed. And this young man, such a kid, is going to risk his life for our freedom. Please let us be mindful of the sacrifices these young people are making and the pain of their families. That is my thought for today. mlm
10th Feb, 2008
