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The war in Iraq and it’s impact on my family
My father left for Iraq yesterday (Jan 21) morning. He has been retired from the military for about 10 years now.
He’ll be there for 6 months. It’s really strange. He’s 49. He’s had (and beaten) throat cancer. He’s a very intelligent guy. I just can’t believe that they are sending him to Iraq.
Here’s a picture of my father and my son from Dec. 24, 2005.
My brother spent a year in Iraq. He came home about 4 months ago. He was actually in combat. We’re hoping that he doesn’t go back, but there’s a chance that he will. He’s newly married (he and his wife actually got married when he was home from Iraq on leave).
Here’s a picture of my brother (he’s 24), his wife and my boys from Dec. 24, 2005.
Anyway, just sharing. It was easier on me for my brother to be in Iraq than my father. I mean, my brother is young and healthy and gung ho. My father, well, it’s not that he’s old. He’s in great shape and in great health (now, after the cancer) but he’s almost 50! 50 year olds don’t belong in war. Not that I think that anyone does, but there’s a difference between a 50 year old and a 23 year old, know what I mean?
on January 22nd, 2006 at 9:26 pm
Cassandra - Thanks so much for sharing this. This is going to sound strange, perhaps, but I actually don’t know anyone firsthand who is in the military or who has been to Iraq (having met Paul Hackett via Meet the Bloggers doesn’t count). So your firsthand account of mixed emotions about your brother and father, well - that’s the kind of stuff that really interests me - to know what it feels like for the family.
Godspeed to your dad. I agree with what you say about him not really belonging there. But then again, makes me think - do any Americans, no matter their age?
Thanks again for sharing.
on January 23rd, 2006 at 6:04 am
Wow. I cannot imagine what that would be like. If I were religious, I’d pray for the safety of your loved ones. I guess I’ll just have to send good wishes your way and say that I hope all goes well. Thanks for sharing something so very personal.
on January 23rd, 2006 at 1:12 pm
Hey guys, thanks for the good wishes. I appreciate it.
My father retired from the Army 10 years ago but continued to work in the same field, in the same office. He’s actually in the upper ranks of the government. I heard someone say somewhere that they aren’t sending any high ranking government employees, but I can tell you first hand that they are.
This is why I have a hard time with what *position* to take on the war. I mean, I dislike this war as much as the next guy, but to speak publicly against it seems like a slap in the face to my father and brother, know what I mean? Besides that, my father is in the opinion that this is *exactly* what the U.S. needs to be doing, and he is privy to info that the general public is not.
So while I may not agree with him, I certainly don’t know the whole story (and neither does he, he just knows more than most).
Anyway, sorry to go on… LOL!! Just rambling.
on February 1st, 2006 at 5:15 pm
Wow, Cassandra. I had no idea how close to home this war is.
I feel strongly that we can hate the war and love the warrior. It amazes me that people believe that because one objects to the war, it indicates a lack of support for the troops. I thought we humans had a capacity for that level of complexity!
Anyway, your family will be in my thoughts.