I can't sleep Mr. Bush, Mr. Rumsfeld, cuz of you.

My son graduated from high school tonight. Big night for me, no more babies in the nest. And my son got some local love in the form of stipend/scholarships for good citizenship and exemplary character in service to the community. But that's not why I can't sleep.

I looked through the program for graduation and it listed where everyone is going after high school. Most go off to college, some to 'employment' and a ever dwindling number go right into military service. Out of a class of 150+, only three kids are going into the Service and all 3 are going into the United States Marines. Some Marines, in full dress blues, came to the ceremony and they and the 3 signed students got a standing ovation from the northern Massachusetts crowd.

I had a tickle of memory in the midst of graduation giddiness when I read the names and then it hit me, this is either the sister or first cousin of a young marine who had been been hit by an IED in Iraq two years ago and had come home without a leg and mostly without the use of his arm. Marty Meehan has filed legislation in his honor. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h109-2411 The Boston Globe did a story on this young kid and how difficult the rest of his life is going to be. http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2005/01/07/technology_serving_new_war_amputees/

Mr. Bush, Mr. Rumsfeld, earn this. Take care of this young man's sister. I cannot even contemplate what this young girl's mother must have gone through when her daughter enlisted. We all know she's going to Iraq in some capacity. Don't let her get hurt or die in a lost cause. Don't let her family, which has already suffered so much, go through the agony of a war that has been abandoned by the commanders in Washington. Don't let incompetence do anything to this cute 18 year old girl.

For the love of God, earn the trust this family has put in the Government and in the honorable US Marines. For the love of God, earn this. I can't sleep because all the hoopla of graduation has faded and all I can see is this young girl's beautiful face in my mind and the thought of everything her family has been through and the fact that they are still so willing to lend their child to fight for America. For the love of God, earn this.

God in a few weeks it will be my first year anniversiry of graduating. I feel old. We had more than 3 in my class join the Armed Forces. Hope those who graduated with your son stay safe. I know I think of those I know who are over there whenever I can.

I know I would not have the trust in our present government to allow them to take my child to fight in this war. I too pray for her safe keeping.

My baby graduates on Tuesday.

:toast: :hi:

I have to leave for Worcester and a really wicked good political convention tomorrow at 6:00 am at which I will undoubtedly see Senators Kennedy and Kerry and a lot of friends and I friggin can't sleep. I am afraid of my dreams tonight. I really am.


Congratulations Wisteria! I know how you feel about 'your baby.' Me too!

:hi:

time being. Live moment to moment for right now and don't look too far ahead. Take comfort in knowing that you are doing all you can to keep our soldiers safe and bring them home.

Thank you and congratulations also.