What We, As A Society, Take For Granted

The other day at work I popped up into my myspace. Now before you go thinking WTF, I have family I keep in touch with this way, including my cousin in Germany. I checked out Sniper's page, lo and behold he had a picture up. He hadn't been on it since before boots on the ground. I sat there for a long time and just stared at that picture. I even made a few comments about how he looked. A few of my co-workers came around to look at the picture. That's when they asked "Is that the first time you have seen him?" I sat back for a second and kept staring at the picture. "No, I have seen a video of him from CNN a few months back, a picture of him on the 1st MLG website (again a few months back), and a DVD he sent to all of us a month and a half ago. He looks great. He said he lost weight, but WOW." The Video a friend of mine found online and the picture I found. I was on top of the world when I saw them. Why? Most people won't understand or think you may be a little morbid or sadistic, but it means they are alive. It also is the closest I will see him in a very long time. Another co-worker looked and said "Is that a gun he's holding?" I just laughed. She is a really sweet person (no Sniper you can't have her, she would eat you alive), but lives in another world. One that some days I wonder what it is like to live in. One where you don't take for granted the little mundane things of life. What will you eat for dinner? What's on TV? You have so much laundry to do, how are you going to do it all? Can you go another night without going grocery shopping? Do you have time to get your nails done? Do you need a new outfit for a party this weekend? Instead you wonder.... Whether you are going to here from your loved one today. And when you do, will this be the last time you hear his voice. Catching a glimpse of him on the internet/TV. Is he warm? Is he safe? Is he going to be wounded again (this is one I worry about more)? hmm...... Yesterday morning, I got up and looked again. I didn't see anything new, but I realized Sniper was on. I was able to talk to him for a few minutes. Before you go thinking........yippy skippy, that was the first and only time in 5 months I have talked to him online. Again, think about what most people take for granted. Sending emails or IMs and getting a response is no big deal in most people's world. I know I am able to talk to him more than most in this world and believe me, I don't take that for granted either. Picking up the phone just to say "Hi" or "Hey, what's for dinner?" Think about it. This morning when I woke I, I jumped out of bed excited as to what I would see next. Kinda like a kid waiting for Christmas, except this isn't Christmas, it's the life I live in. I popped in and Sniper posted more pictures and it had me thinking about what we as a society take for granted everyday. Look at these 3 pictures. Do you notice anything most people would take for granted? Take a real close look. I am sure you can find something. Not how most people live there daily lives is it? I know I don't wear a kevlar on a daily basis or a 9mm. Personally, I like this one of Sniper sitting on the Humvee. However, he looks very hot, tired and ready to get the hell out of there. Notice where these guys are sleeping? Think about that as you climb in your comfy bed tonight. Think about this picture as you cuddle up with your pillow and blankets. Notice anything about the humvee? I don't know the story behind it and I don't think I want to know. I do know this is the reality Sniper and his Marines live in. As I look at that picture, I can conjure up lots of scenarios. I don't like what they are. I know where Sniper sits and all I can think about is how very lucky that man is. I also look at these and know again this is the closest I will see him for a few more months. This life has taught me to take nothing for granted. I have always lived my life with few regrets (Sniper is one of them). Now, I live it as: One Life, No regrets Today as you are going about your normal everyday routine, stop to remember what so many Men and Woman sacrifice, just so you can have your freedom. Dyzgoneby Take a look at this bunch. I wouldn't want to fuck with them either jihad's! Then again you guys aren't too fucking bright to begin with.