Friday, August 05, 2011

Sand, Stone, Stars, Sun And My Son Half A World Away

Photos by Adam Rowe.  Text by Stephen Craig Rowe

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     Half a world away my son is serving with a Special Forces Unit somewhere in Afghanistan.   Adam posted some photographs on Facebook and gave permission for me to share a few of them here.   He and some of his unit were recently on ten day convoy.  During that time there was no communication home or posting on the internet.  I was very glad to learn that Adam and all of those with him on the convoy returned to base safe.

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Exploding roads, temps averaging around 110 or so and sleeping in the open under the stars is not a vacation.  For the soldiers it is a vocation.  It is a job they have chosen to do and they do it well. 

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Maybe Congress should take their vacation in Afghanistan, or better yet get back to work and serve the United States Of America.

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If you can read thoughts, there are no need for words.

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Half a world away it is as though there are no need for words.  I see it in your eyes my son, and know that you know.  Be safe and as ever be well.

6 comments:

Hope said...

dearest Stephen,
I pray that the angels of the Lord will about your son until he returns home safe and sound.. he is.. in my prayers daily..

Beth said...

Stephen, your son is in my prayers as are all of our troops.
The photos are very telling and make a person stop and think. We are so very lucky here in the states and we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to those who serve for us.
Your son looks very much like you.

Sue Mac said...

I hope your son is home soon and may he know not only is your country but my country too is grateful for what he is doing, the pics say it all
Sue

Seeking Serenity said...

startled me to see your eyes looking at me..Peace and protection for you both..
I agree, they should spend 24 hours, they couldnt even handle that long.

Unknown said...

I know you are very proud of Adam and rightly so, Stephen. As I await word as to whether any of the men lost when the Ch-47 was shot down were friends I give thanks that our daughter is here and safe. During her JROTC days all she spoke about was entering the military right out of school and I'm not ashamed to say I was relieved when she opted for college instead.

As for our "leaders" I think everyone inside the Beltway should serve the rest of their terms as a line grunt and then denied their jobs back when they return as so many of our vets are.

Here I Am Carrie said...

Oh Stephen my heart goes out to you and your son. Living on the edge like that. The photos really put you there. I can't believe how much your son looks like you. So glad to hear he has safely returned for the outing. Will pray that he returns home safely as well.