Thanks to my fellow Americans

[dennisw]

Despite the constant barrage of negative press, sometimes the little things or gestures can make a difference. Maybe these gestures are not so little after all.

My oldest just came in from Iraq for two weeks of R & R. He was a little blown away by the warm reception he received from well wishers encountered at the various airports visited on his long trek home. In the Atlanta and Dallas airports he said folks cheered as he came off the plane. He wasn't quite ready for that and I believe it really meant something special to him. I'm not sure if these folks were members of orgainized groups who do this on a routine basis, but even if they were, it doesn't diminish its meaning.

Additonally, an older couple in the Dallas airport commandeered him for a while wanting to know all about him and his experiences in Iraq and would not take no for an answer when insisting they be allowed to send him Lakers' tickets. Sure enough, the tickets arrived two days after my son, and he and his brother who recently came back from Afghanistan will enjoy the game this Sunday.

I personally am so proud of these folks and so touched by their generous treatment of my son, that I can scarcely see the words as I write them as my emotions are somewhat getting the best of me.

Sometimes it just feels good to be an American and to live among folks like the ones mentioned above.

As a parent who sends his sons off to war, you often can feel isolated. The above has restored my faith in many ways.