Pretty In PinkI met Julia for the first time at one of Danny's hockey practices. She was the smallest player on the Chelmsford Maroon team (second from the right), and is only in first grade. There were times this year during games and practices where things would come to a screeching halt when the puck was on her stick. I would never be angry - in fact I love watching those who struggle develop and improve. But sometimes it's frustrating when you are trying to run a drill and it doesn't work because the player simply can't make a pass or skate fast enough. Many times this year Julia has asked me, "is this side the left wing?" There were some times I forced a smile with my answer.
Today I went into Danny's elementary school for a Read-a-Thon kick-off, and Julia was sitting right in front of me in her pink outfit, with a book about dolphins on her lap. She began telling me all about how "my parents said maybe we could get a dog, but only after we discuss it, because maybe not everyone in the family wants a dog." Instead of seeing a struggling, beginner level hockey player, I saw an innocent, chatty, happy 6 year old girl in a pink outfit with a pony tail. She made me smile.
A Uniform More Suiting
When I see a soldier in uniform I think "fearless", "up to the task", and "ready for anything". They have a job to do, and no matter what you think about global politics, you know that the soldier is going in willingly and dutifully. Over the last couple of weeks I have seen many pictures of the British soldiers held captive in Iran. I thought to myself, "well that sucks." and figured they were mentally strong enough for their crappy situation. After all, they are the "fighting men and women" we send to do battle.
Today I saw this picture of those same soldiers, wearing suits tailor made for them by the Iranian government (what the hell is that all about?) and they looked so young; so much like the boy or girl next door. I am sick of kids dying (let's face it, that's what they are). Instead of seeing them as soldiers ready for battle, I see them as kids caught up in the games of men who should know better.
3 comments:
Scott, I hope this one actually reaches you. I enjoyed reading all the entries I hadn't yet read . . . I enjoy what you have to say, I particularly enjoy your writing style. Your comment about the freed soldiers was right on the money.
Ben from Maine
I think that was a perceptive entry by Ben. Your blog is always a joy to read . .
Soldiers are taught to do what they are told...not think for themselves...that is why they are dying. If they thought for themselves, they might choose a different path.
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