I found an old mirror the other day, and I saw something in it I had not seen before

[The Straight Story]

Often we see reflected back at us simply what is. But that which we cannot see is often more relevant than that which we do.

Here in the mirror I saw more than my ugly mug. Much more.

I was the hope of an expectant mother once. I was the joy on a parent's face on Christmas morning. I was a friend to some folks who had no other friend. The eyes staring back at me came from the love of two people, the soul within me behind those eyes sprang from a moment of passion.

I was something special to two special people. I was their love, their hope, I was their dream in this world.

And as I looked more I saw me now. A daddy. The hope and joy of a little girl. The husband to a wonderful wife. What once was created in love has itself created in love a new life.

I have seen all the hopes and joys that were hope for for me. I have seen all the pain over the years, and felt the hugs of others when I needed them. And I have been there for others when they most needed me.

Then I saw the future. I saw someone like me, looking into that same mirror. The story was shared between us and our lives.

And I saw me laying down on a warm couch to cuddle my daughter and watch a cartoon.

Then I saw the other guy. Laid down in a casket draped with an American flag, flying home from Iraq in a cargo hold.

His mirror has went dark. His future dreams, hopes, and loves erased.

And as I kiss my little girl goodnight, I fear inside to look into that mirror again - for what the future holds for us all. And all I can do is weep.

PS: I wrote this in honor of:
Nathan Given
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...