911

I am sure most of us know what we were doing exactly 5 years ago today.

Like our parents generation knew what they were doing when they heard Kennedy was shot.

Looking back to that day it seems surreal.

The horror I felt is still too fresh, I haven't been watching much TV so Z won't see it and ask. I want him to be innocent a while longer.

I remember thinking back then if I were but a little younger and unmarried I would just go join the military to defend our country.

My brother-in-law did just that. He had been out of the Marines a few years and he re-enlisted after that day, by March 2002 he was back in the Marines.

He felt called to war he has yet to go and do so. He and my sister have spent the last few years living seaside at Camp Pendelton. Last year at this time he thought he was going to be put on recruiting duty. They have a baby now, she turned a year old last week. In fact her early arrival delayed him from going to recruiter school. Then his orders changed and he was told he is staying attched to Force Recon.

We drove out to see them last week not only for my niece's birthday, but also because Scott is shipping out finally. He'll be gone 6 months to a year. I've learned to love him like my brother and I'm glad our goodbye last week was short due to time constraints, or I may have blubbered like a baby at the thought of him going to war.

He doesn't know for sure where they are going, they haven't been given all the details yet.

I do think it's slightly strange that today is the day he is leaving.

HUAH Scott, and I pray God keeps you and your unit safe.