“In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.”

Several years ago, maybe when I was still in Spain, I saw this photo somewhere. It is of a soldier cradling an Iraqi child who was wounded in a suicide bombing. Every time I think of war this photo comes to mind instantly no matter what war is being discussed and it twists my heart and stomach into all kinds of knots. It reminds me that war touches everyone, from those who chose to go into harm’s way, through the most helpless who must survive its madness. I don’t need to witness war to have my dreams affected by it’s horror or know that it is ugly and brutal.

I hope that one day humans will reach a point where we no longer think that war is needed to protect peace. I think that the word’s of Eleanor Roosevelt reflect my desire for lasting peace most clearly, “When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?” Unfortunately I know that today is not that day so instead I send love and support to those who have and must endure war, both civilian and military and pray for an end to the violence for all.