Friday, October 29, 2004
My feelings were drastically changed towards the war in Iraq within one day. After three years of the War on Terrorism, it has finally hit home. On Wednesday, I found out that my sister’s husband (my brother-in-law) as been reactivated and leaves for Kuwait on November 30. This is after he has already served his country for four years and was honorably discharged a little more than a year ago. Even though he was discharged from the Army, he remains as a reserve and the Army has the authority to call him and others up at their will, which they are exercising. I feel bad for him because he has already spent 2 years in Afghanistan, and now he has to go back to the Middle East. Worse yet, he and my sister just had a baby. All of the things I get to enjoy with Gracie, he will not. He will not be there for his baby’s first Christmas, or when he begins to crawl and walk. I am not sure how long Chad will be gone, but it is at least a year, which I highly doubt will be that short.
So, I find myself appreciating the time I get to spend with Gracie, now that I actually see that there are fathers who are not given the same opportunity. I feel and understand the stress and worries of the military families, which I have been cold to up to this point. I also find myself re-evaluating my uncle roll and its new importance. Finally, I find myself rethinking this war and its justification or at least the way it is being fought.
So, I find myself appreciating the time I get to spend with Gracie, now that I actually see that there are fathers who are not given the same opportunity. I feel and understand the stress and worries of the military families, which I have been cold to up to this point. I also find myself re-evaluating my uncle roll and its new importance. Finally, I find myself rethinking this war and its justification or at least the way it is being fought.
