9/11

Today was the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. It is a solemn memory to think back on that day. The ensuing war that is still going on plagues our nation. I feel that few understand much about it, and it saddens me to think so many have forgotten what happened on 9/11. I remember in 1993 when I went through 16 weeks of training at the Navy & Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center, how we were taught that the next war our nation would fight would not be a conventional one, but a war against terrorists. I had no idea then what that would look like, nor that it would actually come to pass. But it has. We were trained as intelligence specialists with conventional war in mind. No one knew exactly what a war on terror would look like. We still have much to learn. But we must be vigilant. I recently saw a bumper sticker that said, "Peace is patriotic." It was one of many on the back of a car that was driven by someone who obviously opposed the war. This mindset, although noble, is faulty. None of us, if personally attacked in our own home, would sit by and wish that no one would attack us again. Our peaceful existence in the U.S. has been fought for, and is being fought for, by a strong defense. Only history will show where we went right and where we went wrong. But I do know that wishful thinking will not protect our freedom. Although it is an extreme example, this article with the included pictures is a testimony of those who wish to destroy our freedom. Again, we must be vigilant.

As for Leslie's cancer, we are being vigilant in that war. I only wish that we could not have fought the war we are fighting against it. Life would be simpler for us now if she were not going through the battle of radiation and chemotherapy. But sitting on our hands and wishing that our peaceful habits would cause the terrorist cancer cells in her body to give up their fight would accomplish nothing. Instead, we are enduring the unpleasantries of a battle against this terrorist disease so that her body can live in peace. It is painful now, for her, and for the rest of us to watch. But it is a worthwhile pain. It is a temporary pain that we hope will protect her body from future invaders, and give her a long, peaceful life.

The strength that Leslie gained this weekend has waned. Tonight has been pretty miserable for her. Although strong inside, the signs of the stresses of her treatment are showing. She is weary. Please continue to pray for her comfort and for the effectiveness of her treatment. She now has only 3 days left of radiation and the current chemo treatment. We will certainly celebrate this weekend as this comes to an end, and especially next Wednesday as we praise God on her 35th birthday.