Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is coming up and our “man on the street” question for our newsletter this week is, “What are you most thankful for?” Of course everyone we asked said their families and friends. But my God, there are so many things you don’t even realize you should be grateful for until you’re over here and they’ve been taken away. This year I am thankful for many things, most importantly, the fact that I’m still alive.
I really never realized the things I took for granted until now. The simple things that I thought were necessities back in the states absolutely make my day here in Iraq.
The presence of toilets that flush and hot showers is the best thing we have going here. When you’ve been out in the field, or out somewhere where you don’t get a shower for a week, you long for those shower trailers.
We have food here. Sure, I might not be able to go to the store and buy whatever I want, I might not be able to stop a McDonald’s for fries on the way home from work, but I’m guaranteed three meals a day (most of the time) and I don’t pay for them. I remember being home and having to scrounge change from the couch to buy groceries.
For that matter, I don’t pay for rent or clothes. My laundry is done for me, for free. I’ve got a free membership to an exclusive gym, walking distance from my air-conditioned, heated, (only leaks a little bit) trailer.
Communication. Simple Communications. I can email my friends and family. If I stand in line awhile, I can call them on the phone. I get mail. And mail is the best, even getting bills in the mail makes me happy here.
So, I’ve got things here that I’m thankful for.
I’ve also become about a million times more thankful for the fact that I’m an American citizen. Most Americans have the luxury of being ignorant and being able to take for granted this privilege. But having been able to experience another culture and seeing how the world looks at America as a symbol of freedom (while people may not like our decisions, they respect and deeply envy the fact that Americans have incredible freedoms) has made me proud to be a part of what has made our country this great.
8 Comments:
You brought out a lot of things I never even though being thankful for, but most certainly that we all have made it thus far despite any issues we’ve encountered, both petty and significant.
Myself, my family, my friends, and many, many other Americans are very thankful for you and all of the men and women in the U.S. armed services. Your sacrifices are ensuring our safety and freedom.
I know you've probably heard this before, but I just want to express my deepest gratitude to you for your willingness to put your life on the line for me and mine. For all Americans. And for the citizens of Iraq.
You and your mates are heroes -- even though you don't realize it. Because of people like you, I am confident that my daughters will grow up and be whatever they want to be -- in a safe and free society.
Thank you, and God be with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
-- Dave A.
First, nice to see you back on. Secondly I would like you to know that reading these blogs, you and Lizzy mostly, has given me a new look at the world around me. Thank you!
Please know that you are personaly in the hearts of many through this thing. You are in my daily thoughts and prayers! Hang in there girl!
http://forums.military.com/1/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=78919038&f=409192893&m=329100744
I posted your "Thanksgiving" post on the Point-Counterpoint Forum of www.military.com where I am a Moderator.
Simply put, Thank you.
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