Yesterday joined some friends (Victor Juhasz, Stephen Gardner, Ray Alma, Fred Harper, Anelle Miller, Bil Donovan, Joan Chiverton, Dennis Dittrich) to do some holiday sketching at the VA hospital on the East Side. There I met a gentleman named David. Hes from Pennsylvania, he said, but was here because of a severe illness that they were not equipped for back home. Though in a tough struggle, he spoke about it with strength and a kind of humor. Then I asked him about his service. Vietnam? I asked, thinking hed be about the right age to have served there. Thats all I said. Yep., he answered. I looked down at the pad and when I looked up he was weeping. I didnt ask him to describe anything. I was feeling I might have opened up too much for him. Clearly he was seeing faces, remembering events, feelings that have followed him around ever since. For 50 years. War is far bigger and deeper and more dangerous than we ever tell those kids we send. And for the ones who come back, the war may never really end. David: wishing you relief, a good new year and grace. And all the guys I saw today and in all the hospitals everywhere.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 10:16:44 +0000
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