Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Sadness

When Jason was stationed in South Korea, he became friends with Rodolfo "Rod" Rodriguez; with that name how could he have any other nickname, right? They were both Captains in the Civil Engineering squadron. Unlike Jason and I, Rod's wife Caryn was there with him. I got to visit Jason twice (for a month each time) during that year and Rod and Caryn had us over for a dinner party. Even before I met them it had become kind of a joke that they were the exact opposite of Jason and I; Caryn was the loud, boisterous, life of the party (like Jason), while Rod was the quiet, reserved, more grounded (like me) half of the seemingly mismatched but balanced pair. I remember looking at a scrapbook that had a hidden photo and Caryn's funny story about it. They'd been snorkeling and Rod kept following her around with an underwater camera and poking her; slightly annoyed, she decided to really give him something to take a picture of and mooned him, hence the photo hidden in a panel under another more innocuous picture. Listening to her tell the story and watching their interaction as she did, I could see so much about their relationship; full of love and fun and bantering. The four of us had a lot in common and a lot to talk about.

Yesterday Jason got a call. One of those calls that as soon as you pick up the phone you know it's bad news.

Recently Rod was deployed to Pakistan to train Pakistani troops. He was in the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad on Saturday when a terrorist drove a truck filled with explosives up to the hotel and detonated it, killing at least 57 people and wounding 200+ more. Rod was one of the 57.



Jason and I have been awash in emotion since finding out. Sadness. Relief that Jason is out of the military. Guilt. Frustration. Anger. Thankful that we are still part of the informal military network and got the call. Confusion. Anxiety. Hopelessness. Sadness, sadness, sadness, sadness.

There are so many thoughts running through my head, things too big for me; this war, this election, our friends in the military, on and on and on. I don't know the answers; I don't even know all the questions. My favorite author Anne Lamott says that the two best prayers she knows are, "Help me, help me, help me," and "Thank you, thank you, thank you." I've been saying lots of both, but I've simplified it to "Help, help, help, help." Help Caryn, who is in Germany where she and Rod were stationed when he was deployed; most likely she will have to move back home now, leaving the support network she has in Germany. [Edited to add: she was able to get base sponsorship from the school where she teaches, so she doesn't have to leave.] My heart continues to break for her. Help Caryn's friends and family to be what she needs now. Help Rod's family, his coworkers, his friends. Help the families and friends of all the people killed in this attack. Help all of the people injured in this blast; help the doctors and nurses caring for them, help their families and friends. Help the media who have such an impact on the world's view of this war. Help people who have become so desensitized to this war that they gloss over every headline declaring more people dead, and help those who feel those same headlines so acutely they forget to breathe as they search for names, hoping not to see one they recognize. Help our military and the families that support them. Help soften the hearts of militants. Help our country's leaders. Help the world's leaders.

Help, help, help, help. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh, cameron. i am praying for you and jason. and karen.

you have a huge heart and i love you for that.

Anonymous said...

I can't even think of what to write in a comment other than cry. My heart goes out to you, and Jason, and Karen. And everyone else who has been touched by war.

I love you.

Melissa Hall said...

My heart is with the families having to deal with all of this misery.
I must admit that I was at one point one of the desensitized people when it comes to the war. But when you see something that hits a little too close to home, you pay more attention.
May those who are suffering (in any way) find peace in all of this, somehow....

Sasser said...

Oh, this brought tears for so many reasons. Since Dave has left the military, I know exactly what you are describing when you get news like this of the ones we love and care about. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Jason, and all of Rod's family, especially his wife. I think you are right about the two best prayers...I have used those many times recently.

My heart goes out to all the people affected by another senseless tragedy.

Hugs to you.
Kate

Blessed! said...

Yours and karens family will be in my prayers!

Anonymous said...

im so sad for all of you. i'm praying for you. really puts things in perspective

Chiara said...

oh my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. You will understand this since Jason is out of the military now. I am going to have a huge party 5 years from now when my DH retires from the NYPD.

I can tell you that the emotions you are feeling now are horrible and so many questions are running through your head. I will be thinking of you all. Love ya.

Anonymous said...

Cameron, I'm so sorry for your loss. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you or for Karen. LL Summer

Anonymous said...

Cameron, I am so sorry for your loss. You guys and Karen are in our thoughts. I will be so happy when my hubby is finally out. you just never know when something like this will take someone you love.

runswithtrimmer said...

Oh Cameron I am so sorry to hear about your friend :(
I will be keeping you and Jason and all involved in my thoughts.

Big hugs
Heather

Sooz said...

oh Cameron this is heartbreaking....my thoughts are with you and your Jason and your friends and their families. Your tribute here is beautifully written - a lovely way to honor your friend. Hugs to you.

Anonymous said...

Cameron I am so sorry to hear of you and Jason's love. Beautiful poignant tribute. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Aimee said...

i have been out of the habit of checking any blogs except for Pioneer Woman. i am praying and praying and praying for everyone affected by this tragedy.

God Bless you, Cameron for having such a huge golden heart.

Tauni said...

Cam, I've been off the computer for a few days and just read this. I'm so sorry. I'm having Erik put Caryn on the prayer list at church. What a tragedy. Love you.