Mind, Body, and Soul
Sacrifice and Honor
Yesterday, while having lunch and WIFI time at" Panera” with one of my sister friends, a group of military men entered the restaurant. They were dress in military camouflage; each of the men had sustained some injury.
One had been severely burned about the head and face, another had several burns splattered about the back of his head, and the other 4 or so walked with limps on poorly fitted prosthesis .Immediately my heart went out to them and I thought about the sacrifice they made. To place you in harm’s way to protect another's well being. I don't believe in or understand why there is the violence of war. None the less these men took the ultimate risk to protect me. Now permanently changed forever. Many in the place didnot seem to acknowledge the presence of these injured soldiers or maybe they didn't want to stare. The men didn't seem to want to meet eyes with others either...perhaps that would have revealed their pain. After all they were soldiers and a soldier must stay strong. I wanted our eyes to meet; I wanted to say "Thank You". I wanted each and every one of us to give them a standing ovation to honor them and their sacrifice. I wanted them to know that they were appreciated. I just wanted to share a moment in my human experience with them. As I reflect on my young nephew who has decided to make this same sacrifice my eyes fill with tears. He will begin his journey next week. I am praying that the angels will keep him safe. So young and to take such a monumental risk or challenge, God bless him.
One had been severely burned about the head and face, another had several burns splattered about the back of his head, and the other 4 or so walked with limps on poorly fitted prosthesis .Immediately my heart went out to them and I thought about the sacrifice they made. To place you in harm’s way to protect another's well being. I don't believe in or understand why there is the violence of war. None the less these men took the ultimate risk to protect me. Now permanently changed forever. Many in the place didnot seem to acknowledge the presence of these injured soldiers or maybe they didn't want to stare. The men didn't seem to want to meet eyes with others either...perhaps that would have revealed their pain. After all they were soldiers and a soldier must stay strong. I wanted our eyes to meet; I wanted to say "Thank You". I wanted each and every one of us to give them a standing ovation to honor them and their sacrifice. I wanted them to know that they were appreciated. I just wanted to share a moment in my human experience with them. As I reflect on my young nephew who has decided to make this same sacrifice my eyes fill with tears. He will begin his journey next week. I am praying that the angels will keep him safe. So young and to take such a monumental risk or challenge, God bless him.
Comment
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Comment by Monika Mitchell on February 24, 2010 at 9:03am -
I feel what you feel about this. I am not in support of war, but am supportive of those who are called to sacrifice and honor. I would never hesitate to go right up to them and say all that you have written here- say I thank youfor your sacrifice- it means alot to them, I know. I have done it before and there is a deep human connection that stirs in them, you can see it in their eyes. These few words of acknowledgement and appreciation can relieve some of the aloneness of suffering.
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Comment by Kathleen on February 1, 2010 at 6:34pm -
The uniqueness of our individual gifting compliments the whole. So often we fail to see the power in the gifting of those that we don't understand. The sacrifice and offerings made by those in the military are courageous, selfless, and necessary. It is beyond "warrior". It is calling, a simple acceptance of the calling and a form of devotion. Your reminder of their presence in our day to day world reminds me and others to honor their unique contribution. Thank you Rain for your eyes that see and your voice that tells.
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Comment by Rain Pebble on February 1, 2010 at 1:57pm -
I am also happy to know that they were shown appreciation .
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Comment by Rain Pebble on February 1, 2010 at 1:56pm
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Thank you ...I become so emotional when I think of the soldiers...Their sacrifice and God forgive the evil they have to do...My God what a plight.
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Comment by Rain Pebble on January 31, 2010 at 11:33pm
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T hear you both Gini and Marilee...I can definitely view this from the angles you have share...Thanks for the flowers for my spiritual garden.
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