My nephew, Jordan, who just turned 21, is back in the U.S. from Iraq after a stint with the U.S. Marines—for now—though he is not home yet. I am so glad that he's safe.
But on the front page of the Long Island newspaper today is the photo and story of another Jordan, 19 and also a marine, who was killed in Iraq. My husband, Ed, worked for years with the mother of the 19-year-old Jordan. It's so sad and shocking to Ed. The last time he saw that Jordan, the boy was about 11 years old.I just can't see any good in this stupid war.
Jordan nephew U.S. Marines Iraq war senseless death EditorMom
I can feel the tension that lies between relief that one's own family member is safe, and sorrow that someone else's is not. The same name makes it more keen. I think people who have been in any war and returned must suffer a degree of "survivor guilt" when contemplating the deaths of others, so senseless.
ReplyDeleteOh, Katharine.
ReplyDeleteGlad your nephew is okay. Mine finally got out of the Marines after two tours to Iraq. Enough was enough. Now he's a state trooper. (He is way too sweet to be a state trooper, or a Marine, as far as I am concerned.)
ReplyDeleteKatharine and Ed,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog and remembering my Jordan. Godspeed and safe return to your Jordan.
JoAnn