A soldier makes it to Kuwait
My son made it to Kuwait 24 hours after leaving central Texas.
It's a bit surreal knowing he's really over there now; and in two weeks the reality of his being in Iraq will be even more surreal for me.
Leading up to this deployment, I've thought a lot about communication in times of war. As a child I watched news about Vietnam on our black and white TV. We now see events as they unfold, thanks to satellites; and staying in touch with loved ones in the armed forces is a cinch.
I've visited a lot of Civil War battlefields in my life, and my father always reminded me that during that period in time families went years without knowing where their loved ones were or if they were alive. My dad's own family decided he was dead after not hearing from him for over a year during World War II. The postcards he eventually sent from the Imperial Japanese Army are in my safe deposit box. Those few now tattered cards were the only communication he had with his family during his nearly four years as a prisoner of war.
When moms waved "goodbye" husbands and sons as the men headed down long country roads to fight in the War Between the States, they had no idea if or when they would see them again. Less than two days after my son left our country, I had a photo, two emails, and a phone call from him.
Amazing.
And as much as I sometimes gripe about modern technology, at this time in my life, I simply say, "Thank God."
Friday, January 09, 2009
In Praise of Modern Technology
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3 comments:
Amen, Thank God!
One of my best friend's son was in Iraq for 2 different tours and another's in Afghanistan, another's been to Afghanistasn 3 times... Try not to be too alarmed if you don't hear from him as frequently as you like or expect, even if he says hell call on a certain day. Sometimes satellites are on the flooey or the waiting line to use the phone is too long, or sometimes they are out on long missions without forewarning... and sometimes they just don't feel like talking to anyone back home who isn't a soldier.
((Hugs))
I hope he keeps in touch. And yes, it's easier now with the new technology but it's still a war and war is still hell. He is in my daily prayers.
Imagine what it was like years ago when mothers didn't have a clue for years...that is the only good thing though. I still hate he has to be over there. You have to be proud. I think he is very very brave.
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