Exploding bombs... religion... suffering...

After observing the aftermath of the recent bombings in Egypt, the UK and Iraq, I've concluded there is nothing that I can add to the discussion of why this happens, how to prevent it, or what should be done now. I am unable to understand the sociopathic people who do these things, the twisted mindsets that rationalize such awful behavior, how it has happened that one of the world's great religions as been so corrupted that it appears many of its members honor suicidal acts, or that any circumstance exists that could cause or justify these horrific deeds. It apparently will remain a mystery to me...much like the actions of a pedophile, a crack induced murder, spousal abuse, the world's slow response to famine, genocide, etc.

I admit to being enveloped in a personal world that has presented me with much that prevents an understanding of violence. Although I have experienced many things in my life, I have been fortunate enough to never have witnessed the type of cruelty being observed today. I am particulary fortunate to believe that most people are decent, uncorrupted and basically good individuals that are just trying to get along in this world. I am grateful to be a part of a "hopeful" community.

Perhaps the ancient view that "evil" actually exists in the world is the closest I'll ever come to understanding the "dark side," so candidly illustrated of late.

I wish you call good luck.

Vacation to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado

After my first visit to the Winter Park, CO area of the Rockies this past week, I'm finding it difficult to find the words to describe this magnificant place. Rather than try, I think it best to just offer a few pictures in the hopes that you will "feel" the place. Enjoy!

The Harry A. McLennan

During World War I my Great Grandfather McLennan was commissioned to build four ships for the Canadian Navy. He was from St. Johns, New Brunswick, Canada and owned a small engineering firm. Only one of the commissioned ships was ever built, because the war ended before he completed the other three ships. The ship was named The Harry A. McLennan in honor of his son who was killed in Belgium during World War I. I'm told that pieces of the ship are still visible on the Nova Scotia coastline, having suffered a ship wreck. I would love to try to visit the site sometime.

The picture was taken in 1923 during the maiden voyage of The Harry A. McLennan in the St. Johns' harbor. What a beautiful ship!

Threshold 1 & 2

Threshold 1

As the plane lifted from the runway I turned my head toward the window struggling not to weep. My view of the retreating LaGuardia tarmac was blurry, so much like my feelings. I’m really angry for being sent away. I hate feeling so unprepared. I don’t understand this mixed in feeling of elation.

A long journey to a place where fellow passengers grew excited as we began our descent, all trying to see out…to understand. How odd the landscape looks from here. All the greens remind me of Ireland. Something like Uncle Harry’s farm, too. No, it’s far more beautiful because of the hazy purplish peaks ringing the horizon. And so many lakes…just like Minnesota…no, wait. Bomb craters. Oh, God!

Wonder what Mary is doing now? It’s probably only 8:00 pm in White Plains.

Man…look at these people. Why don’t they sit on chairs? How can they squat down like that? This place is hot and it smells funny…kind of like wet leaves…kind of like dirt. Motor scooters! So many of them. I wonder why there are no screens on the windows? Why is everyone looking at me? If everybody wasn’t so damn short maybe they wouldn’t notice me.

I can’t sleep. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve…I can’t believe my stupid luck. I’m so tired and yet I can’t stop thinking. Will the sound of planes ever stop? What happens tomorrow? I can’t do this. Please make my stomach stop churning. Well, at least its cool in here.

Thud, thud…boom. What the hell! What’s going on? Pop, pop…pop. Is that gunfire? Why is everyone running around outside? I don’t get it. Should I be looking out this window? What should I do? Why doesn’t anyone help me? “Cover yourselves with your mattresses you idiots! You’re in Vietnam now!”




Threshold 2

My spirits climbed as we struggled up through the clouds just out of range of Tan Sanute. That was so cool…everyone cheered when we lifted off the runway. I feel like I’m home already. I can’t wait. I can’t believe they let me out a month early to start grad school. I can’t believe I made it. I’m so proud. Almost all of us made it. I’m so relieved. God bless America!

I hope all the guys are OK. It hurt to leave them. God, please take care of them. Strange how I often couldn’t remember their names. No one cried when I left, but we all felt bad. Congratulations all around but no one would look me in the eye.

Air conditioning and they’re about to serve breakfast. This is great!

Oh, Jesus. He looks so young laying there, all crumpled…he couldn’t be much older than fourteen. Why did he have to be here? I wonder if his family knew where he was? Did they love him? Hope he didn’t know what happened. Why do I want to hug him? I wish I could explain it to him.

I have to laugh. All of those dusty, smudged letters I sent to Mary. That red clay gets into everything. Hope she likes the lacquered box that I bought for her. I liked Cambodia better. I wish I had more souvenirs.

Strange how they give you a medal when the other side hurts you.

When I get to San Francisco I really have to run to make that connecting flight. I wonder how the stewardesses can put up with us? Oh, man…seats in their upright position, trays locked into place. Wish I wasn’t wearing this uniform. I’m so glad to be here.

Thank you, Father. Thank you. I’m so grateful. Now if I can just make that connection. I’m so happy to be here. I feel wonderful.

That guy with the long hair walking towards me. Wonder what he wants…can’t stop…have to make that connection. Wonder if he’s one of those antiwar… I can’t believe it. The jerk just hocked a louie at me. “Welcome home GI.”