by Kara Altshuler

Happy New Year!

I have mixed feelings about 2009. 

On the one hand, I am so excited about our new President-elect, who's already been acting (in the last month+) more presidential than the current Shoe-ducker-in-Chief.  While Bush is busy burnishing his legacy, President-elect Obama is now in Washington, DC, preparing himself and his Cabinet selections for the tremendous work ahead of them.  I am confident that we are going to see some big changes starting Jan. 21, and this year will be interesting to watch, no matter what.  On the other hand, the economy is lousy, lousy, lousy, and everyone has been affected.  Most people I know are thankful to have a job.  That kinda puts things into perspective.

But many times perspective comes from unexpected places, from sources outside of our own little world.  I am reminded that the reality of life often pierces the bubble of optimism I have about our country charting a new course away from the fear-mongering and law-breaking the Bush administration has done for the last 8 years.  A dear friend passed on a letter from a relative that reminded me that some aspects of Bush's dreadful legacy will take a very long time to repair. This letter makes me even more thankful my children are still safe at home, warm and healthy.  My kids aren't old enough to fight in this infernal war in the Middle East.  But, I am grateful to other mothers who have endured their sons' and daughters' perpetual absence, serving tour after tour in this ill-planned and worse-executed debacle in Afghanistan and Iraq.  I honor them by printing out the letter as a reminder that yes, a new year has dawned, but for many Americans, nothing has changed. 

Dear Family,
It is with concern that I share the following about my son's experience in this very short time in Afghanistan.  My Marine's  unit--3rd Battalion 8th Brigade experienced two casualties and one fatality in ten days.  The fatality was Jon's best friend Franco--Lance Corp. Albert Franconie.  The two casualties were also from his troop and are now at the Bethesda Naval Hospital in the good care of doctors and a very supportive military family.  All these Marines were with Jon's Sniper Scout Unit. 
Mr. Macias and I went to visit the two young Marine's yesterday per Jonathan's request.  He asks that we do everything to support them and their parents...thus it is our honor to do so.  He wants us to visit weekly.  He also asks that I take a homemade meal to them once weekly b/c they love to eat.  
Yesterday, there was a service ceremony for the young Marine -Franco; Jonathan was asked to say a few words at his friend's ceremony.  He said it  was a very sad and touching ceremony.  Jon's unit was given time to grieve.  Jon says he can still hear Franco's voice. I wish I could pray their burden and heartbreak away.  
Thank you for allowing me to share the impact that this war is having on my loved one and other Marines.  Please keep them in your prayers.  We will all need to keep the troops in our thoughts and prayers daily --they are so very brave.   
Sincerely,
SAM