Visiting family in Oklahoma City. I am always surprised at how COLD it is in Oklahoma City compared to Lakeland/Memphis. I think it must be the wind or the moisture in the air. Even the same temperature is colder in OKC.
While I enjoy my visits to Oklahoma City and enjoy visiting, I am also always glad to get home to Lakeland.
We’re having a good, if busy, Christmas season and a very enjoyable visit to Oklahoma City. I always enjoy the “pause” in the year.
I have been trying to make any weight gain as small as possible. Thus far, I have even continue a slight continuation of losing weight, which is great! Starting with Thanksgiving, I decided I would be happy if I started January 2, 2007 at the same weight and I think I will make that goal. I even lost a little, but I’m afraid I may gain it back over Christmas!
We flew from Memphis to OKC, which is really nice. Aliene used “points” for a free ticket and I used a free ticket I had gotten for being “bumped” earlier this year, so it was especially nice!
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a rewarding 2007!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Saturday, December 16, 2006
A Soldier Returns
I was flying into Memphis returning from a Conference. As the plane landed, the announcement was made that a Soldier who had been killed was returning home on the plane. All of the passengers were asked to wait while Soldiers accompanying the casket got off the plane. An honor guard waited outside the plane, and as we taxied in, a fire engine sprayed water over the plane.
While I obviously can’t put my feelings into words, I felt a true sense of community with the other passengers and the soldiers family as the passengers all waited patiently and quietly, rather than the usual hurry and hubbub after a landing. The atmosphere remained even after we went into the terminal and got our bags, almost as if everyone was grieving with the family.
I was overwhelmed to think that this same event has been played out almost 3,000 times in the last three years. I see the names, hometowns and ages of the military personnel killed each week and I note the ages, most under 22 years of age. I feel a real sense of sorrow-and anger-at the thought of all these lives cut short.
While I obviously can’t put my feelings into words, I felt a true sense of community with the other passengers and the soldiers family as the passengers all waited patiently and quietly, rather than the usual hurry and hubbub after a landing. The atmosphere remained even after we went into the terminal and got our bags, almost as if everyone was grieving with the family.
I was overwhelmed to think that this same event has been played out almost 3,000 times in the last three years. I see the names, hometowns and ages of the military personnel killed each week and I note the ages, most under 22 years of age. I feel a real sense of sorrow-and anger-at the thought of all these lives cut short.
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