Iraq War Blogswarm March 19th

Others will better dissect the politics of this mess, with greater intelligence and whit than I will. I have already written about the disservice we do to our returning vets in regards to mental health care~ in fact our disservice to all vets. What more can I say? What can I do to make hearts see the real human cost?

This past Sunday was the “anniversary” of Mi Lei, the terrible day when a group of young confused angry service people met what could have been the enemy, but were only the old, the innocent and the child. I was heartened to note that many vets returned to that village to build homes, schools, clinics and a museum so we never forget. A group from Nagasaki and Hiroshima attended the ceremonies, to call for peace around the world. Different sides from different former conflicts getting together to work on healing. That is a powerful symbol.

So was the recent headline in my local paper”4,000^th death may pass with less concern“. What? “Soldiers and analysts alike say the impact of the deaths in Iraq has been lost on many Americans who have no personal connections to the war,” an API article asserts. The article quotes a Heritage Foundation military analyst as saying Americans are not casualty adverse~, we are more worried about losing…

I can only look to my own life, my own heart and ponder how that would make me feel as a mother. I might have sent my son or husband off with pride, but I am d*** sure I would want you to notice and care. Right after my eldest died the Pat Tillman affair began to unfold here at home. I asked my biological mother (both an Army brat, a wife of a WW2 pilot) if she thought losing a child that way was easier, she was sure it was. I did not have the heart to ask again, after what was revealed later. In the end, I can only say loss is pain, pure and simple, regardless of the circumstance.

On my local blog site, a lighthearted post was put up to “get to know your fellow” blogers. One of the questions was “What is your biggest fear?” Most answered to lose a loved one or a child (couldn’t you guys have lied for me?* small smile*)

So that is what is behind that number four thousand. Two parents, maybe sisters, brothers (one hopes there are more children), aunts uncles, step parents, the list goes on of people who are affected. A heart will learn what I know to be true…..worse than the fear, worse even than the loss…you will go on .Go on with your shattered life until death finds you.

Peace as always and in all ways~sage