The candle that DianeL first lit many months ago, and which has become such an important part of these diaries since, is still available here.

You can copy that image into your own comment (you can leave it on my server), craft your own image, and/or rate this one - not for mojo, but to leave a small mark after taking this moment - as a sign that you know, but do not approve, and are not resigned.

"It is like trying to ignite - to pass on the responsibilities as much as possible to everyone else." - Ravi Shankar

"...psychopaths have little difficulty infiltrating the domains of...politics, law enforcement, (and) government." Dr. Robert Hare

Right then, the sky lit up with sudden lighting, and loud thunder blasted the silence. It was so sudden and so loud, I about flew out of bed.

This is what they live with every day, only knowing it's not a sudden late summer thunderstorm, it's bombs. It's guns. None of them can go to bed like I can, knowing I am safe, and will be safe tomorrow too.  

How I wish there was a way to share safety with whose who know none.

ONward!

A BIG THANKS to ilona who posted the Song in her Diary, at KOS yesterday, and I had the erge this morning to check out the responses to Another DoD Slam on Military Personal she posted about, and found it.

Ilona's Diary Link:
Iraq Vet? Take the Bus

by ilona  
Mon Aug 28, 2006 at 08:56:52 PM EDT

Splendid Welcome Home after a year in Iraq, huh?

And A Great Song!!

Click here to listen.

by Martha Ann Brooks, wife of an OIF Veteran with PTSD

When your soldier comes back home
You will be happy

You want things to be like they were before
But your soldier has been forged through trial by fire
After all he lived through war
Be patient when you see he's not the same

Your soldier's changed
When your soldier comes back home
He will be different
He'll think about those that gave their lives

He might be feelin guilty that he's living
He will keep that guilt inside
It may show sometimes in things he'll say and do
Please help him through

Chorus:
War is never over
For the ones who fought side by side
They are bruised and battered
The deepest wounds don't show outside

You may think that time will heal
There is no healing
The days are like sandbags around him
But ghosts will not be held back by a wall
Bad memories always win
If you love him you must be the one who stays
You must be strong
When your soldier comes back home

Chorus:
War is never over
For the ones who fought side by side
They are bruised and battered
The deepest wounds don't show outside

Story Behind the Song
Veterans often come home from war to family members who expect them to pick up where they left off. For the combat vet, that is not always possible. I wrote this song in the hope that it will help families and friends of returning veterans embrace them with understanding.

The song is currently #2 on Neil Young's website.

lTMF'sA...the revolution will not be televised...Peace