Posted by
oldscout on Thursday, September 20, 2007 11:21:22 PM
Day of Atonement
I was thinking a bit yesterday about the coming Day of
Atonement, and it’s applications for a Christian. As a Catholic, I can see some relationship
with the sacrament of Reconciliation, but there are significant differences. It was then that I read an e-mail from
Patrick, my youngest son, currently in Korea
assigned to (deleted) AFB. It was just a
short note, the kind he sends every two or three days. But in among the day to day items, was the
following statement.
“Also found out today
that my commendation medal from (deleted) AFB
went through. I should be presented the medal by the
commander within a
few weeks, but am now
authorized to wear the ribbon. It's
certainly one
of the highest ranking
medals an enlisted member can get without
actually being in
combat, so I am very proud to earn it.
Things are well and I
will be giving you and Mom a call sometime this
weekend and definitely
in time for your birthday.”
Pretty matter of fact, and would not mean much if you did
not know the story. Certainly not an
item Patrick would brag about, other than to let me know his “ribbon rack” will
have a new addition. Long story short,
he was alone in the control tower when a potentially disastrous situation
occurred involving two Air Force A-10’s, and a civilian aircraft. One of the A-10’s, and the civilian aircraft
were both in distress, and there was a possibility of a mid air collision
occurring within seconds, as well as one or the other distressed aircraft
crashing if not landed quickly.
Patrick’s quick thinking and his handling of the situation resulted in
all three aircraft landing safely, without any injury to any of the
occupants. By the way, none of these
aircraft were assigned to Patrick’s base.
There are details that he could not share with me, and some things I
cannot share with you. But the story is
riveting, with about 150 seconds of heart thumping suspense.
As a result, he was recommended for a special commendation,
which was approved and will be awarded to him at his new assignment.
Back to the Day of Atonement. While I understand the purpose of the day, I
do not feel I am in the proper frame of mind to truly behave in an appropriate
manner. You see, I am in a state of
pride. Not in myself, for I know that
would be sinful, but in my son. He was
responsible for saving the lives of three or more people. Those who have read my previous writings
about my son know how I feel about him.
But this award is illustrative of why I feel such pride. I believe I am justified in feeling this way,
because whatever pride he feels is muted, and will no doubt pass, as have his
thoughts about the many brave, ethical and loving things he has done in his
life.
If I may offer a quote from the Torah, “He who saves one
life is as if he saves the entire world.”
I will think about my faults on another day. Today, I am enjoying the feelings that I have
from raising such a son.
May you derive peace of mind and spirit on this day.