A Morning's Reflections

This morning dawned cold, crisp, and clear here in New Mexico.  Hilda and I were admiring our majestic Sandia Mountains (10.483 feet).  As we were having a cup of hot coffee, cozy and warm in front of a pinion fire burning in our fireplace, something changed my state of mind while I gazed at these rugged stately mountains, that received a foot of new snow last night.

My thoughts drifted back to 9/11.  Because of this tragedy, men and women of our military are in a strange and very hostile country.  They are protecting our freedoms in mountains much like ours.  I'm sure they were not warm this morning as we were, sitting out among the scorpions, sand fleas, and chiggers.  

For sure they are not admiring the beauty of the Tora Bora Mountains in Afghanistan as we are our Sandia's.  Bitter and cold winds along with the driving and penetrating sand storms doesn't make for an easy deployment, they didn't complain and they are there for us standing tall and proud.  

Their purpose is to protect us and keep America Free.  I only wish I could be there to allow even one of these brave people to be home with their family and loved ones for Christmas.

Tonight, when you retire, in your own religion, please offer a short prayer with thoughts to keep these brave men and women safe and out of harms way.  I know I'll be offering my prayers and thanks to them.

From Roy, an old sewer pipe sailor.