[PAA-Discuss] Swan Song

[margd]

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/091905Z.shtml
Bring Them Home Now Tour Update 
    'Swan Song' 
    Tuesday 13 September 2005 

    As I walked in that hot Crawford ditch August 6th, I sensed the cartilage rip in my left knee. By the time we reached Detroit I couldn't bear my weight on it. I had to leave the tour and return home. I'll need surgical repair of tear, scheduled for next week. I envisage myself temporarily 'in the stands' for a short time, and remain anxious to get back 'on the court'! 

    Secondly, my son in law, currently stationed just south of the Syrian-Iraq border checked in last week to say it would be a few weeks before he could call home again. Now I understand why. The media reports some sort of insurgent movement into Iraq along that border. Communication shuts down when a soldier is killed until the family is officially notified by the DoD so I owe my daughter the support she needs right now, and hopefully it will be only a matter of time until we hear from him again. Meanwhile, Dakota, my only grandchild doesn't know her father's face. 

    I addressed a crowd at a short stop in Highland, Indiana at the war Veteran's memorial. It was here I realized the true importance of this tour. 

    Anna, a 72 year old woman sat in front of me. Her son was killed in Vietnam 32 years ago. Today, Anna would join Gold Star Families for Peace. For a brief moment we embraced, and Anna whispered to me as we wept. 

    "I'm so sorry I've been silent for such a long time." 

    "No regrets, Anna. We 'arrive' when we 'arrive' ", I told her, and met Anna's eyes through my tears. I then thanked her for the courage to finally speak the truth which I know for her, as for all of us, is very hard to do. I promised her I would keep speaking out if she would! 

    For now, I leave with this memorized quote from George Bernard Shaw. It forever echoes what remains in my heart. 

    "This is the true joy in life- the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one: The "being" a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy." 

    "I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can." 

    "I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for it's own sake." 

    "Life is no brief candle to me; it is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." 

    Duty calls. Won't you join me and Anna? 

    In gratitude and service to humanity, 
    Sherry Glover 
    MFSO Houston 
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