Perspective

I hadn't planned to rush to the first internet terminal available, but I really wanted to post this while it was fresh.

In the 10 minutes I was at the internet terminal in Shannon bitching about my hotel SNAFU, about 200 U.S. soldiers and sailors had appeared in the waiting area lounge in combat fatigues. I turned around from the net terminal and there was a line of khaki that stretched the entire length of the waiting area. I realized quickly they were all lined up to put an order in at the bar.

At first, it was solemnly intriguing, but the more I looked at them, the more emotionally jarring it was. All of them lined up, and I wondered how many of them might be having their last pint of Guinness. Looking at the faces, I wondered how many of them might be having their first. I got a little choked up thinking about it.

Just as my flight was being called, I finally talked to one of them, briefly, to thank him.

They were on their way home.

And here I am feeling lucky to have made it to Rome safely.

I can deal with whatever hotel and taxi issues await me the next few days.