Two Years Ago

This coming Friday will mark the day I left the school I teach at to report for mobilization. It is amazing that two years have passed since that Friday in November 2004. Let's take a look back...
It was September and I had been working down in our little pasture fixing fence (my daughter's horse likes to knock it down) and doing little "farm chores". As I came into the house my wife tells me that there is a message on the machine from a Colonel somebody. Well, the qoosebumps quickly went marching on my spine. Colonel's don't call sargents to pass the time of day.
As I hung up the phone, I quietly told my wife "I am going to Iraq".
The days went by and the DAY got closer and closer. I went to my supervisor and told them where I was going. I told my church family. I told my mom and dad.
And then the day came, the kids at school gave me surprise party, some parting gifts and we all took loads of photos.
And then I was gone.
People today ask me, "What was it like?" and say, have you seen the movie Groundhog Day?
And they nod yes and then I say that is what it was like.
And just like my father's generation, I pass on the questions and talk about something else.
My students today say "I am so bored!" and I respond, that is good! You want to be bored. Boring is very good!
I know what they mean. Actually what they don't know, is that they are discontented with things right now (or in teenage talk RIGHT NOW!).
I have really learned to be content. Now. Not in the future. Now.
I was blessed. I came home with everything attached. No scars, no missing fingers, toes, arms, legs.
I am thankful.
I don't have to dream of firefights and bodies.
I am thankful.
I didn't have it as rough as others did over there.
But it wasn't easy either.
Two years ago I left to go to war.
My, how time flies.