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The Wall.... An Overwhelming Experience

I haven’t been as available as I usually am lately. I had a profound experience, and felt the need to just step back and absorb it. This meant that I had the need to quiet myself, and do some deep soul searching. Why? I visited the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Now, many of you may understand; some of you may not. I had no clue, except that some friends wanted to go to the memorial, so I went along with them.

Back in the 60’s, I was a young girl. (yes,  young). Vietnam was something that was on the news and my parents changed the channel. Looking back, I lived in a nice middle class bubble and was protected from the things that my parents didn’t think that I should see. When the Vets came home, I didn’t understand the horrors and unthinkable things they met in their journey.

So here I am – looking at the traveling exhibit of The Wall. One name at a time – seeing how far it extended. And it dawned on me – actually it was more like a creeping reality. Each and every one of those names had a family that loved them. Each had an aunt, uncle, nephew, son or daughter that their name affected in one way or another. Each represented a lost love….. and I was overwhelmed with an emotion so deeply disturbing to me and I cried. I didn’t know any of these names of the departed that were sent to Vietnam, yet I cried for all the lives that they touched and all the ones that probably – to this day – a time doesn’t go by without someone thinking of them and their loss.

I have spent the last few days thanking God, the Universe and the Angels. I have felt an overpowering gratitude for the simple life I have; wrapped in my bubble. And, I am grateful to finally understand and experience first-hand the deep emotional loss of human life for a war. I am asking you to join in with me, and pray for peace in the middle East, that the “conflict” that has begun will soon come to an end. I am asking you to live your life in gratitude, also. I realize this borderlines a political statement, however, please know that this is not my intention. May God bless and keep you all safe.


****************************
I'm available for your calls today~
Sending you angels,
Jane

Published Monday, June 09, 2008 1:03 PM by Jane Wilcox

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Monday, June 09, 2008 12:21 PM by Rosalea

# re: The Wall.... An Overwhelming Experience

Dear AZ:

I can so relate to your intense feelings about this experience.  When we lost my brother-in-law, cousin and three friends of my husband in the Vietnam war we finally were able to make the trip when we were in Delaware.  The impact of visiting the memorial took me to my knees.  We have lost two of our loved ones in Iraq and I am so anti war right now I think that if another of our family decides to enlist in the military I am going to personally intercede.  I just don't want anymore of our children to die in a field of blood for political reasons.  Thanks for posting this Jane for I know how the memorial impacted your heart also.

Rosie
Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:35 AM by msgtbetterhalf

# re: The Wall.... An Overwhelming Experience

What a wonderful blog,Jane.As you know I know what its like to have a loved one in a war situation.All military signed up for their duty to defend our country.Lets make all proud and support them even if you dont support war.They need that,ask any Vietnam veteran.
Saturday, June 21, 2008 10:44 PM by Blaine

# re: The Wall.... An Overwhelming Experience

I too was at The Wall in Payson and appreciate so very much your comments.  As a Vietnam Vet who knew more names on The Wall than I wanted too I found it to be a moving experience that also made me cry which I dont do very often.  War is in fact hell and Im glad that you and others like you recognize how much we need to find peace in this world. I will never forget the men that I knew who died there.  They are with me every day and your right they will never be forgotten by their families, friends and fellow soldiers.  PEACE

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