A Reminder

We live our lives.  The hustle and bustle of all the little things add up day upon day and it can sometimes be a grind.  We worry over seemingly big things that annoy us, aggravate us, or cause us to be frustrated.  We (most of us) take the bad with the good and try to keep things in perspective.  Perspective...an interesting word.

I was on a flight from San Diego to Washington Dulles today.  I do this flight fairly regularly and it has become rather routine.  While I was in the waiting area I noticed a Marine Gunnery Sergeant in Dress Blues.  I figured that could only mean one thing.  Sure enough, when we were getting settled the pilot came on and announced that we were on an "angel flight" taking a fallen Marine home to his final resting place.  He said he is a retired Navy pilot and it was an honor to be a part of it.  Me too.  When we landed the escort and the family left first while everyone remained in their seats.  We all watched as the Marine honor guard approached the plane and gently lifted the casket into the awaiting herse.  It was pretty moving.  And there wasn't a lot of conversation leaving the plane.

Which gets me back to perspective.  Two things struck me.  First, we are doing this less and less, which is a good thing.  Second, when the trappings of everyday life can get to be a drag, it's worthwhile to think of the heroes and their families who put it all on the line for us.  And then those day to day burdens can seem trivial.