Monday, April 23, 2012

T is for Torture

He was among the large group of family and friends that went together to see my nephew perform in "The Wizard of Oz". My nephew was the Tin Man, and he did a great job, by the way. Anyway, as I watched the Lion, who wanted courage, I couldn't help but think about this guy, sitting among us, who had real courage. And I wondered what his thoughts were. I also started thinking about all the men and women who have served this country, from its inception. The bravery and courage that it took, and most of us will never know.


And, that got me thinking (I know, it's a rarity), about people's stories. How many people have displayed courage in their lives, and then they just go on living their lives. How seeminly insignificant things (like watching a play about courage) might affect them.


Then I wonder how much courage I have. Would I have been one of the 20, or would I let them rip my teeth out? In my little pea-brained mind, living in my safe home, not being threatened, I am sure that I could sustain having my bowels ripped out without nary a whimper. But, when reality sets in, I'm afraid I would turn into a bowl of mush. A whimpy, cowardly, bowl of mush. Would I really be able to fight for freedom, if I had to, ready to die, if it came to that?
I always like to identify with the hero in a war story, and detest the sniveling little coward, curled up in a corner. Sadly, I'm pretty sure that I would be the sniveling little coward. But, I guess none of us really know what we are made of until we are faced with a life or death situation. 


I really don't know how to end this, except to say,"Thank you from the bottom of my heart", to all those who have served and sacrificed for this country. You are greatly appreciated.


6 comments:

  1. Great post Darlene and, yes, we must all be grateful for the servicemen AND women that carry out their duty so that we may all remain free. So many have lost their lives, and they're only boys really (I'm talking about the particular war in Afghanistan now). As you say, none of us know what we would do in any terrifying situation, but I would like to think that we would be given hidden strength, and NOT be the snivelling coward in the corner! Good post.

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  2. Courage comes from unexpected people in unexpected moments.... even God used Gideon. :) You'll do what is right when the times comes. Great post.

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  3. DoodleBug and I were just talking about this yesterday while watching a movie. A character just sat in the car while a girl was being kidnapped- it's like shock overcame him and he couldn't move for a minute. And we talked about how we don't really know how we'd react until we're put in that situation. I would love to think that I'd be brave. But I sure wouldn't bet on it.

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  4. All I can say here is I totally agree with you. Great post great ending.
    BTW my mom has just started blogging. I wonder if you would mind going to pay her a visit? She's nervous and unsure of herself. It would mean a lot to me if you would.
    Her URL is http://smjkbapelnc.blogspot.com/2012/04/so-mydaughter-lyndee-melynda-fleury-to.html

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  5. God must cry when he sees what we do to each other, we are his beautiful creation and don't even realize it.

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  6. Great post, thinking of veterans. My husband was career Air Force and we loved the life. I think everyone should live outside the US for one year...it would give them an appreciation for what they have here. Thank you.

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