WOW! This was a very powerful post! Tears just welled up in my eyes!

Sent by Sandy Lathe | 7:33 AM ET | 08-23-2007

How right you are Leroy! You have opened up another can of worms, but it SHOULD be opened, and explored.
I, for one, have been opposing our invasion of Iraq since the onset but even the newspapers stopped printing my letters of opposition. They were considered un-American and not in support of our fighting men and women. How untrue. Now, like you, we think of all the wounded and maimed in our bulging hospitals. When will it end?
Glad that your Journalistic prowess is coming to the fore. The Country needs your voice and strength.

Sent by J C Rakowski | 7:53 AM ET | 08-23-2007

Thank you for the stark reminder! It is easy for most of us to have opinions about the war - positive or negative. I wish that this war would cease and all wars would become obsolete and unnecessary but it seems that this is just a dream. But I must say that I continue to be in awe and so thankful that we have men and women who will and do answer the call when needed. Their service for our country is noble. Many pay the ultimate price while others are forever scarred. I pray that those who have been killed will find peace in God's embrace. I pray that those who must live with their scars will be acknowledged by each of us for their sacrifices. They truly have "walked through the valley of the shadow of death" and have seen the face of death up close and personal.

While their are many obvious analogies that can be made about war versus the cancerworld, I will refrain. Each individual in each circumstance responds as best they can. Quiet courage is evident in responding to tremendous and sometimes overwhelming adversity. I salute both the soldier and the cancer patient and pray that mercy and grace be visited upon them as they fight their respective wars.

Blessings and prayers for us all.

Sent by Al Cato | 8:03 AM ET | 08-23-2007

AMEN! I don't think I have ever heard it put any better. I am the spouse of a veteren from Iraq. I agree with you completely. Thank you for putting it in writing.

Sent by Roberta | 8:04 AM ET | 08-23-2007

Dear Leroy/ All,

Yesterday's blog was humerous and I, unfortunately, was probably one of the few people who was so self absorbed in my misery, that I could not enjoy the laugh. But today's blog helped me put things into perspective, even if only for a little while (knowing the way my my mind wanders) Very few of us are given a CHOICE when it comes to tragedy.

I realize that I am going through a life changing event and things have been put into motion that are unstoppable. Destiny has been set and I cannot change things, just as the young men who are being disfigured, tortured and killed. That was their destiny, one, which I agree is worse than ours!

"Please God hold our soldiers tightly in your loving arms. Guide them and let them feel your presence as they continue to do what this great nation has asked of them. Bring each of them home safely to their loved ones and until then please keep them safe"
Author Unknown

Sent by sasha | 8:11 AM ET | 08-23-2007

My nephew will be sent off to Iraq within a few months; he is also a few months away from becoming a father for the first time. My sister (his mom) his frightened inside but strong outside. I'm frightened inside and frightened outside (not a good combination). Believe me, I am proud and grateful, to him, and all of our troops, but so sad about the circumstances. Circumstances rife with unfairness and torture -- not only for our troops but for many in the region. Such as that innocent 5-year-old Iraqi boy who was doused with gasoline and set on fire in the name of...what? War? He doesn't know why those masked men did it; his mom doesn't know why either. All she knows is the uncomprehensible (and inconsolable) guilt. Guilt for simply allowing her son to do what all little boys want/need to do: play. To play! Because she told her child he could go outside and play his face is demolished; his spirit, too. Their lives are broken. Leroy, you're right. We don't get a choice about what hardships we'll face (nor how atrocious they might be) and it serves us all well to consider what others are going through even when (especially when?) we are facing difficult journey's ourselves.

Sent by Karen Laven | 8:40 AM ET | 08-23-2007

No more needs to be said as you have said it all. The suffering of our young people in Iraq is a sin and my heart goes out to them all. Thank you for using this forum to bring attention to this issue.P.S. Lesions in brain not as bad as I thought. Going for bone scan today to check if any other areas. Feeling optimistic. THANK YOU everyone for your support and prayers.

Sent by Vicki (FL) | 8:44 AM ET | 08-23-2007

No matter what one's view on the war-and I do have strong opinions-one thing remains clear. Soldiers, mostly young, are returning with physical and/or emotional scars for life. When I stop to think of their pain and their loved ones' grief, I am reminded that us cancer patients/caregivers are not always carrying the heaviest burden. Serving others takes us out of ourselves and our problems and is healing to our spirits. Volunteering, seeing a need and helping, etc., makes us feel capable and no longer a victim. "Pay it Forward".

P.S. Your journalism skills are still very powerful. Thank-you!

Sent by Nancy | 8:51 AM ET | 08-23-2007

You are right; WE are at war...these are our young men and women; our children; in fact...they ARE US. It's as though we, the citizens are running around hemoraging from a small wound in our backs without noticing. If we don't turn around and do something, it may lead to our end.

But then, those who are sufferning from cancer, disease, anguish, pain are US, too. Disease, death, loss all affect our collective soul. Somehow, though, these losses resonate with our spirit for life.

The war is tragic, indeed. Beyond words.

Thank you, Leroy for sharing.

Sent by Elaine Barnes | 9:26 AM ET | 08-23-2007

All I can say is Amen. I opposed the war from the beginning, but I did nothing about it -- didn't call my congressmen, didn't protest, didn't do anything. Now, if we pull out, we leave a country in chaos, and it is our country's leadership's fault. Not the fault of the soldiers who go there on our behalf. Often, when I see someone in uniform, I say, "Thank you for serving."

Sent by Ruth from Virginia | 9:28 AM ET | 08-23-2007

I pray that 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years from now when people damaged physically and mentally in this war still need costly medical care, that our country and taxpayers and politicians will step up and provide it. Your comment about the country not being at war but the military being at war is very true and very apt. The only persons being asked to sacrifice for this are the members of the military and their families. If this war is truly needed then the whole country should have to participate in some way. It should not fall on a small group to shoulder the entire burden.

Thanks for your powerful post today, Leroy.

Sent by Art Ritter | 9:28 AM ET | 08-23-2007

Leroy, I too saw that article and group of pictures and was overwhelmed with the "wedding" photo also. So much so that I e-mailed that picture to my family and friends asking, why??? We can't forget the bravery of our military. Prayers for all.
Karen

Sent by Karen Cop | 9:37 AM ET | 08-23-2007

Thanks for the eloquent reminder, Leroy. Last night I was tired and hurting all over and feeling sorry for myself. I needed to wake up to this blog today.

As we all know so well, there are so many random ways life hurts and takes away the ones we love that we can not control. Here we are intentionally sending our love ones into harms way.

I may not agree with this war, but every time I see a soldier I just want to reach out and reassure him or her that everything will be okay. If only it were so.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 9:39 AM ET | 08-23-2007

It's ironic that you write this. I've been following your blog for about two months now. My mom passed from lung cancer on June 6. On August 4, we lost my nephew to an IED in Iraq. Our family has seen the ravages of both wars and the only thing that holds us together is the fact that Mom and Matthew are together.

Sent by Heidi Perry-Hipp | 9:57 AM ET | 08-23-2007

I'm the wife of a Commander, USN (ret.) He was called up to serve for a year in 2002-3, during Operations Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch. He returned home before we invaded Iraq...but, it didn't take long before his/our honor for the brave men and women in uniform became shadowed by the knowledge that the policy is mistaken. We, as a country owe our service members, who've been killed or injured, and their families, the best that the country has to offer. They gave their best us.

Sent by Sheara | 10:11 AM ET | 08-23-2007

Hello Leroy and All

Right on Leroy

We may suffer but it continues to be devastating to think of all of the others (Americans and Iraqis), as well as specific individuals, who will suffer physically and emotionally for long lives because we and our government couldn???t find a better way to end Saddam Hussein???s rule in Iraq. Why can???t we find it as easy to spend billions on improving medical care and other contributions to health as we do on killing, maiming and disfigurement? You???re right ??? this is all of our responsibility, whether or not we are opposed to this war. I confess that I am at a loss to know what can be done to stop it quickly at this stage. The quicker the better while maximizing the possibilities of safety for all concerned, would seem the best way to go. Joining with those who both make life as high quality as possible for veterans and all the others who suffer from this war, while supporting efforts to solve this and similar issues peacefully also seems both natural and logical. How is it that the world???s richest and arguably most resourceful country can???t find better ways to resolve disputes and create health for all? They are out there. We just need to resolve to use them

Thanks for reading,

John Shippee

Sent by John Shippee | 10:17 AM ET | 08-23-2007

Leroy,
WOW !! Makes me realize how selfish cancer can make us sometimes. Thank you

Sent by kathie | 10:29 AM ET | 08-23-2007

As a cancer survivor myself, I too find myself looking at others in worse situations and say to myself "it could be worse". It has been a coping device for me.

Sent by Lori | 10:48 AM ET | 08-23-2007

Leroy,
I think we (at least me) get very caught up in our own cancer world. Thank you for taking us out of ourselves and giving us a look at the horrors of war.
You are right that "we the people" are not at war, the military (and their close family members) are at war. I was a child during WWII but I remember rationing, blackout curtains, the length of time it took to hear from loved ones, the letters with large sections blocked out by sensors, women working in the aircraft plants, listening to Garbriel Heater (sp?) give us the news on the radio every night (he always scared me to death). I also remember "bomb drills" when I was in grammar school. "We the people" were more aware of the wars then. Today, most of us are unaffected by the carnage. What I hate about our wars since WWII is that they have political agendas. We sacrifice our young men and women with no plan to actually WIN the war. I think our government has forgotten how to win a war. It is very sad. I wish there were no more wars but that is not going to happen. We have enemies who want to destroy us and we can not love them into changing their goal.
My husband was a disabled veteran. He was injured in an accident on an aircraft carrier during the Korean "conflict". Over the years I saw firsthand the kind of care the Veterans Administration gives to their patients. It was the most inefficient health care I have ever seen. I don't know how they are now, but then they would hospitalize someone and it might be weeks before they got around to actually giving them the treatment they were there to have. During one of my husband's stays in the hospital he saw a man be prepped for surgery three or four times and never make it to the operating room. My heart goes out to these young men and women because I know some, if not all, of them are not getting the care they deserve. The Walter Reed scandal did not surprise me at all.
Charlotte in Temecula

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 11:05 AM ET | 08-23-2007

Regardless of our opinion about the war, our soldiers are over there now. We need to have a plan to take care of them, especially the ones who are severely injured, for the rest of their lives. We have all these new medical innovations and treatments, we should be able to take care of our veterans and give them a decent life. Stories of injured soldiers who were sent home after the initial treatment and left to themselves to find adequate treatment in their hometown is shameful. It just breaks my heart.

Sent by grace | 11:36 AM ET | 08-23-2007

Yes, I've had a couple of reminders recently that suffering comes in many flavors; it's not just for cancer patients. And I have realized I'm lucky compared to some. A young fellow from a nearby community, also newlywed, bright, handsome, and well-loved, is lying in a coma, his body damaged horribly due to a bomb in Iraq, and is unlikely to recover. His wife, parents and brother stay with him constantly, talking to him and hoping for a miracle. Our next door neighbor, a thoughtful and kind young architect and father of kids aged 7, 4, and one month died unexpectedly last week.He apparently had a seizure in his sleep.This past Monday would have been his 38th birthday, and was also the first day of 2nd Grade for his 7-yr.-old. As I watched that brave little boy walk out the door with his backpack on, my heart broke.

Sent by Doris | 11:37 AM ET | 08-23-2007

Thank you for today's blog, Leroy. It is a meat grinder, and not just for American troops, but for countless local people whose country we invaded, many of whom are noncombattants. But acknowledging the carnage and the sacrifice of those who are killed or changed by war can be done without saying that you have it easy. I think I understand what you mean, but both journeys can be very tough ones, and it does help to acknowledge all the other people in the world who have their own serious struggles and challenges and losses. Thank you for paying honor to them today in such a powerful and articulate way.

Sent by Sarah | 11:39 AM ET | 08-23-2007

Great reminder, Leroy!

We were raised hearing the following:

"I cried because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet." -Unknown.

It's that notion, along with looks around the world-at-large throughout my life that remind me daily of how many blessings we have to count -- this blog now among them.

Happy 26th Anniversary, Kevin, my most amazing caregiver! I can't deny having wondered if I'd be here to celebrate this one. How terrific that I was able to add a half mile to my walk this morning as a beginning to our day of celebration!

Healing thoughts to Cyn before, during and following the surgery.

May we all recognize and count blessings galore!

-dp

Sent by dp | 12:06 PM ET | 08-23-2007

I think you are a very selfless man Leroy. Seeing the pain of others, putting your's aside. I pray for you every day, never too far from my thoughts.

I bid you inner peace and health, and strength to get through the day.

Sent by Robin T | 12:15 PM ET | 08-23-2007

What I notice is how quietly the news any news on Iraq is reported and accepted. The spending should have had some effect - 1/2 trillion dollars has been spent so far and likely to reach $1 trillion. Reports state we spend $1 billion to $9 billion monthly. What would those dollars mean if spent on health care and cancer research? So many zeros and where will we end up. Thank you Leroy for reminding us.

Sent by Rochelle | 12:31 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Leroy,

May I write about a different perspective? I don't think there is any comparing pain. The disfigured boy's is his and yours is yours. One is not more or less important than the other. Both are important and it is important for all of us to be sensitive to everyone's pain.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 12:37 PM ET | 08-23-2007

I was just ranting about an email forward I got that is one of those attempts to glamorize the war and make it out to be some mission of God. It is beyond me how people can get so caught up in hatred and lies that they lose all sense of reality.
You are so right about our disconnect with the reality of the war.

I hope those beautiful photographs will be received with the respect they deserve. It worries me that anything that brings the reality of this war home is usually met with disdain and opposition. When are we going to wake up?

I do not support this war and never have, but I definitely support our troops. I've had the privelege of working with veteran's of all the wars, and they are amazing people. When one of my oldest and dearest friends left last week for his tour in Iraq, it broke my heart. I don't think it is possible that he will come home the same man who left us.

Thank you once again for putting the truth into words so beautifully.

I also needed to hear the rest of it today. It's easy to let my grief over my illness move into self pity some days, and I'm afraid I've allowed that to happen lately.
Scarlett

Sent by Scarlett | 12:57 PM ET | 08-23-2007

I was in the military when Desert Storm started. I didn't see any combat, I was stationed at an Army Burn unit, I saw first hand what war does to young vibrant americans.

When the US went back to Iraq I wished that I could take the place of one of our young americans that were being sent. I have cancer as well as a bad back and would not be accepted back into the military, but in a heart beat I would trade places with one young soldier so they would not have to endure the mental and physical scars that War brings, they are young and have their whole life ahead of them. The reality that mine at some point is ending has become a reality...

Sent by Brad | 12:59 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Thank you for today's post. We Americans need to see and hear the tragedies that befall our soldiers in Iraq...the forgotten. People should be ashamed of themselves for obsessing daily about vapid celebrities and their recent rehab stints etc. when our soldiers are coming back in pieces. Thanks Leroy, from Sherri in Texas, BC dx 4-06

Sent by Sherri Eggleston | 1:22 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Oh Leroy,

Don't get me on my soapbox. There is nobody on earth I admire more than our soldiers, and the families that send them off never knowing if they'll see them again. My father was in the military, and I have a son who could very well be over there, and may be yet.
I think every little snot nosed punk who complains about America needs to do a tour. I feel guilty sometimes because I am so scared and frustrated that I can't find any security or assurance in anything on this earth that everything is going to be fine and "happily ever after" with my mother and her battle with cancer. (I told you I was a victim of that eternal pixie-dust up the rear-end blower, Walt Disney) And then I think about our soldiers, who EVERY MINUTE are risking their lives. I can't even imagine what that is like, but they have my utmost admiration. I in no way want to say that cancer is easier, that it isn't hell, it is, absolute hell, and you can make the obvious analogies. I've got a sinking feeling I may get to know it even more intimately in the future, since it's "in my genes", but I'd hate to spend my day in the sand in the crosshairs of a sniper's rifle or suicide bomber too. It's all hell. My only hope is prayer. Hope I haven't offended anyone if this makes it to the board, but Leroy just hit a nerve today.
Peace, love, healing and comfort to all.

Sent by Connie E. | 1:36 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Hmmmm...as hard as my lot is, it's not very hard at all in comparison with so many other people. I have a nice clean clinic and a nice safe house and a nice healthy husband to see me through my travails. I wish the same good fortune for all these service men and women.

Sent by jj | 1:36 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Couldn't agree more, Leroy. It is so very sad and heartbreaking what every single one of our soldiers and their families have been through and are going through. For those who have courageously died, there was no closure, no good-byes...how sad this is.

When it is my time, I hope to schedule those good-byes ~ at least I have that with cancer.

And, for those who come back disabled, my prayers go out to those brave soldiers and their families. For some, it is a hidden disability. For some cancer survivors, it is also a hidden disability; but our battles {at least mine} pales in comparison to the indescribable situations these young and older men and women fighting for our country have been through.......

Sent by lisa | 1:45 PM ET | 08-23-2007

As another writer, I to have opposed this conflict and have viewed it as the Viet Nam of the 21st Century. Thank you for your posting today.

Sent by Sue Chap | 2:34 PM ET | 08-23-2007

My dear friends just lost their son last night. He was three years old. He drowned in a swimming pool. It makes my cancer seem like nothing. While we understand fear, pain, and death as cancer patients, the thought of losing a child seems infinitely more unbearable.

Sent by Sarah Bunnell | 2:41 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Al said it all.
I looked at the pictures and cried. Having had two head and neck surgeries along with facial and nerve reconstruciton. I am blessed. I can't imagine the termoil of these you men and wifes as well.
I can't even begin to compare war and cancer. So I won't try.
I can't even put in to words how much these photographs touched me. I to think I am so blessed I have no rights to complain as I sit here with all my comforts met while some fight exactly for me my rights and my freedom.These pictures tell us freedom is not free and
many are suffering and paying the ultimate price.
Some how i don't think the memories will fade for the young bride and her husband. I think they might just get different. Being married to a Viet Nam vet...its now just different 30 some years later. It sticks with you forever thats how war is.

Very powerful post today.
Take care of you Leroy...thoughts and Prayers.

Sent by Kerry | 2:48 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Hi Leroy,

I believe in peace, yet I want to rip the throats out of the so-called "leaders" who lied and started this war. I want to fire everyone involved in destroying the best of what America could be.

I agree with the person who wrote about, think of all that money being spent on healthcare, poverty, healing and helping PEOPLE in other words.

Cancer makes me angry. War makes me angry. Lies make me angry. The lack of true, compassionate, and courageous leadership from anyone makes me angry.
Feeling terrible physically and emotionally from coping with illness makes me angry. (at least today, I am so tired of it.)

Okay. How's that for someone who really and truly wants and believes in and works for peace?

It definitely is not easy. Whether it is dealing with cancer/illness, the wounds from war, the wounds of life, it is an everyday encounter and hard work to actively practice peace in my own personal life.

I know that I feel healthier, spiritually and physically when I do.
Just where to put, and how to channel all this anger effectively and in a way that does no harm. (That's the troublesome part for me.)

"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?"

Take good care of yourself, Mr. Leroy Sievers, (you are a good writer), and Laurie, take good care of yourself too. And to everyone here, each of you take good care too.

It is helpful to not be in this alone.

Peace,
Kim

Sent by Kim Blankenship | 3:34 PM ET | 08-23-2007

I read "Angela's Ashes" while I was going through chemo. It made me grateful. So did hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We focus so tightly on our own illness and trauma that we forget that we are not alone in our suffering. I am not going to read the article because I know it will probably send me right over the edge. My heart hurts for all the parents who have lost their sons and daughters, or who have sent a child off in uniform and welcomed home a permanently disabled youngster.

Sent by Alycia Keating | 3:36 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Hi Leroy,

Great post today.

I have a question for you that is a bit off-topic: have you seen previews for the new show on TLC called "Crazy Sexy Cancer"? I believe it starts sometime next week. I plan to watch it because cancer really fascinates me (I am a nurse in training) and the show will be chronicling a few people whose lives have been stricken with cancer. The first time I saw that preview I thought, "What a title! What a disservice to those that have cancer!". I don't know from experience, but I'm sure the "Crazy" part of cancer is right but the "Sexy" part seemed really inconsiderate. What do you think?

Always thinking of you, Allison

Sent by Allison | 3:46 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Rhonda - My heart aches for you and your family on the passing of your beautiful son Spencer. I visited his page and was touched by the pictures of him. You are in my prayers.

Sent by Nichole FL | 4:03 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Powerful post, LeRoy. My friends and I were discussing this very topic today - and found ourselves feeling so angry and helpless. We prayed. For our soliders, for their families, for ourselves and for the current administration. I personally would like to thung a couple of the side of their heads and yell "What were you thinking?" Obviously, not about our country.

Sent by Kay | 4:17 PM ET | 08-23-2007

I've never shared this with anyone (and hopefully it won't offend anyone) but when 9/11 happened I remember for the first time actually being thankful that even though my Mom had endured two very hard years battling Stage 4 BC I was so glad we'd had that time together and a chance to say goodbye.

Sent by SA | 5:03 PM ET | 08-23-2007

I see that there are few replies so far to your post. I know that I was surprised by the change in topic, and had to think about it.
I think that "patriotism" has been changed by the current mis-administration to a knee jerk compliance with whatever they say. I'd like to know how it's considered patriotism to send our military to an unjustifiable war, do whatever possible to keep the true cost from the public. (remember the prohibition of showing photos of solidiers returning here in coffins?)
The level of misery that is being visited upon the lives of these women and men is hard to grasp. How big a toll can PTSD be taking on military personnel who have spent more time in combat than even soldiers in WW2, and for whom the length of their service has been extended repeatedly, and who are being sent back to duty in Iraq over and over again? How do families remain intact throughout this war with lives disrupted again and again? Is anyone surprised that under this huge strain, rates of spousal abuse are jumping? I think "support the troops" has been perverted to "keep them there", when it could more properly mean don't misuse them in the first place, then provide shoddy or insufficient care and attention to them when they're hurt mentally, physically and spiritually.

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 5:04 PM ET | 08-23-2007

How true, you give us all perspective. Thank you for not being afraid to open this can of worms.

Sent by Elizabeth Hendrix | 5:52 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Leroy,
You are GREAT! The way you can put your thoughts into words is a gift. You feel and express everything that most people think and feel. I hope you know how great your gift is. It's wonderful to have you here. It really helps people. Thanks so much and I am hope your loved one is doing better. You are so right about the war. God help us all.
Viki,
I'm so glad to hear your news stay strong.

Sent by Aurella Rocchi | 6:08 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Leroy,
Thank you so much for today's post. My son is currently seving our country in Iraq and I am a cancer survivor (stage III colon). Having my wonderful child in such harms way for reasons I still don't understand has been far worse than the toughest fight for my life with cancer.
Please everyone, PRAY FOR PEACE!

Sent by Kathleen | 7:27 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Isn't that the truth. No matter how bad it gets, it can always be worse for me.

Sent by Lisa | 9:00 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Leroy,
For a couple of years now, I have been sending care pkgs to troops thru a wonderful website called www.anysoldier.com . I didn't stop even thru treatment because I found out early on that no matter how bad I felt, or how crappy the treatment was going....I was still with my family and friends. Our soldiers have crappy days and they do it without the benefit of loved ones at their sides. Anysoldier gives me a chance to feel their pain and send a lil box of love. It is WONDERFUL!!!!

Sent by Liz Zimmerman | 9:13 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Dear Leroy,
Life does go on ---in spite of cancer.My heart breaks with every horrendous story i hear regarding the war and all the inequalities of people to people and animal cruelty. Your post today was a reminder of how we need to transend our own pain and fears and think of the families of our soldiers and hope we can be there for them when they walk down the street and need a smile or a helping hand...maybe that is how we can help.Maybe that is why we have cancer---we understand. Take care ALL. xo dee

Sent by Dee Congress | 9:43 PM ET | 08-23-2007

The morning after my bilateral mastectomy at Sloan-Kettering I was befriended by a the daughter of my room mate who was having difficulties with a recurrence of breast cancer. The daughter, retired from the military had lost her young husband last year in Iraq. She was raising her children, one in college and supporting her mother's battle. It was all put in perspective for me.
Thanks for helping me remember the grace that they shared with me.
The mom also showed me how beautiful bald can be.

Sent by Paige Fillion | 10:45 PM ET | 08-23-2007

But that couple will never forget the war...whether it's because of the long deployments and lost time with each other (and in turn a change in the relationship) or the scars, the war will never be forgotten in their home. The same can be said for many families that have battled cancer. The survivor can have a visible scar or lingering side effects of treatment (or surgery), cancer will never be forgotten by them.

As for my house, this war will never be forgotten, and neither will cancer. Each deployment has brought another surgery for me and a new event in my Survivorship. I am now cancer free, but the war continues...as will my husband's deployment. I pray for the day when no one will be effected by either.

Sent by Cynthia V | 10:52 PM ET | 08-23-2007

Leroy, thanks for reminding us to remember others in our prayers. God Bless our soldiers.

Sent by Beth | 12:22 AM ET | 08-24-2007

Great words on the war,Leroy. The soliders are fighting a war for us to be safe. Thinking about running in the Presidential race soon?

Sent by Pat Beach | 11:30 AM ET | 08-24-2007

I read Cotter's NYTimes review and marvelled at Nina Berman's gutsy picts while striding in the gym on the elliptical. To think that one year ago I was shamelessly fretting over the scar that my thyroid cancer surgery would leave! I beat it & the scar blends with neck creases.
My job as an educator affords me influence or at least the impression that I might have an impact upon adolescence. Beating cancer, mourning my brother, who was laid low by the posse, absorbing all of your courageous battle adventures, and gaining a bit of wisdom from a slew of survivor tales affords me fertilizer to promote compassion and peace so that those pictures, ideally, might be the last vestiges of war

Sent by J. Ron | 11:20 AM ET | 08-28-2007