Nov 2003, I was at a F.O.B. south and west of baghdad with elements of the 10th mountain division. On thanksgiving day, we had honest to goodness real turkey, real peas, potatoes, corn, fresh baked rolls, sweet pototo pie and I still remember it to be one of the best times i have lived. I was not with any family or friends other than the soldiers I was sent to assist, yet I still remember it fondly (never mind the incoming)
when you get together with friends and family for the holidays as they rapidly approach, do they stand out as times that are most precious to you, and why life is so worth living.
I don't have words to tell you what made that thanksgiving in iraq so wonderful to my memory, but it still stands out paramount, like christmas morning back when I was 3
2007-10-25 08:25:27 · 10 answers · asked by magnetic_azimuth 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Food ,Friends and Family! - there is no comparison! it doesn't matter where you are ! what matters is that there are ppl in your life (no matter how dreadful your surroundings) who think feel and celebrate likewise! you are a lucky man to have that experience! there are far too many of us who never have that!
2007-10-25 08:33:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hey,
I have a friend that was running convoys in Iraq in '03. His convoy got hit with IED's and shot at routinely. He use to say that if he went several days without taking an IED that he would get nervous because he knew one was coming. Now that he is back to normal life, he said the best memory he has in his whole life is sitting around with the guys in his unit, at sunset in Iraq, drinking vodka, and laughing about how they dodged a bullet that day (literally I guess).
As a paramedic I have seen some horrible things. I have had to tell people that their son is dead, that their wife is dead, that their husband is dead. Sometimes it can make you a little paranoid about just going out your front door. However one thing that has been a benefit is what I call the strong sense of last moments. Every time I say good bye to someone, be it my husband, my mother, my sister, etc, I have no issue really meaning the words 'I love you and be safe'. It's not that I didn't mean it before, but now I know that the world of safety that I thought I lived in really doesn't exist. And it doesn't take an act of God to make it your last moment on earth. The holidays have always been important to me, but now they are important in a different way. I loved them before, but I cherish them now, with whom ever I am with.
Psychologists have a name for what we are talking about, I can't remember what it is. However in your case with your experience of war I think Churchill said it best, "There is nothing more exhilarating than to be shot at without result." He meant that it made everything you do seem important and amazing.
I hope that everyone has a happy holiday season and thank you for your service.
2007-10-25 18:26:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Holidays are always a poignant time for me, getting together with family & friends, reminiscing about things we've done together on past holidays, remembering those no longer with us. This has been much more so since my husband passed away in 2005--it just brings home the fact of life being unpredictable & all too often, brief & therefore each moment should be cherished & not wasted--he was 42 years old & I miss him every day. I have wonderful memories of the time, & the Holidays, we spent together & w/ family.
Are you still on active duty? Wherever you are, be safe & God bless you.
2007-10-25 15:39:46 · answer #3 · answered by wanda3s48 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Last year was the most memorable Thanksgiving I have had myself. We got up early and went to a small church that was boxing up meals, we help dish out the meals, and then we helped deliver them to shut ins, widows, and the elderly. We had our own dinner latter that day. Giving food away to those in need, made it the best Thanksgiving I think I have ever had. I can't wait to help again this year. I read in your question, that you were there to assist, I truly think it has to do, with doing for others instead of having them do for you.
2007-10-25 15:43:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
My family is like a bad car wreck. You don't want to look..but you're glad you did.
You can't stand to be around 'em..but at the end of the day you can't live without them.
Great story though...sometimes even just a few paragraphs of a happy time reminds you to be thankful and not just on holidays.
2007-10-25 15:33:20 · answer #5 · answered by adrian♥ 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You were far from home and loved ones and, you cherished every good and pleasant moment, as well you should, bearing in mind the likelihood of impending disaster.
You embraced that moment with love and you enjoyed it immensely. It takes such touchy moments for us to truly appreciate what we have - even if it's very little.
I'm glad you had a great time.
2007-10-25 15:33:37 · answer #6 · answered by SANCHA 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm beginning to realize how precious they are, as I have now loved ones who will never be at holidays with us again.
2007-10-25 15:30:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You had the advantage of deep contrast between most days there and that one. Most people do not.
2007-10-25 15:33:09 · answer #8 · answered by neil s 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Thank you for helping to keep the world safe.
2007-10-25 16:06:31 · answer #9 · answered by Steve C 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
stiil looking for the question.
2007-10-25 15:29:14 · answer #10 · answered by Flaco 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋