Chris and I flew to Florida on different days and different flights and yet we had experiences that were noteworthy I think. Chris flew down yesterday and his seat mate was a Green Beret named Matt. They chatted a good part of the trip and I think Matt was someone who had seen a lot of things —-he was probably around 40 and had served our country in places that he would not talk about but was a man who is doing some incredible things for our country. Chris said the flight was filled with a lot of military and it wasn’t until they landed that he understood why some were there. The captain held the passengers on the plane for awhile and the reason—-a flag covered casket that was on board carrying a US soldier who had died. The pilot ackowledged this and thanked all the military on board for their service and a round of applause rose up for our men and women of the military.

On my flight I was hoping my seatmate would be Brody ( a huge German Shepherd) and his ATF trainer but they got the bulk head and I got Tim—a young enlisted Navy guy. Sweet guy but very young and as we talked I found that he was headed to Afghanistan. We talked a bit and and I commented that he was getting great training and how we were actually going to visit a friend from our Navy days years ago this trip and how those relationships are lifelong. He agreed and said he was getting good training but he was still a little scared. Understandable. When we got up to leave he shook my hand, said “Nice to meet you, Ma’am” and I told him I would be praying for him and to keep safe. I must admit I had a few tears in my eyes thinking about the difference in these two flights—one soldier coming home for eternal rest and one soldier leaving for duty. And I realized how much I really do hate war. It takes lives that shouldn’t be taken and how can one ever be the same after their eyes have seen some of the things that they have seen?

So Matt and Tim, you guys are in my prayers. Be safe We thank you.