Tonight's Photo: I am still managing to get one or two photos out of my old camera but as you can see, the sky is a bit stuffed up! This is a photo of a bench outside my local library and has great sentimental value for myself and my fiancee:)I have been corresponding with an 18 year old American soldier who is back home for a while after a tour of duty in Iraq. Bill, (not his real name) knows I am making this post and is the sort of guy who would chuckle when he reads that it would be easy for me to call him a young lad. However, regardless of age or appearance, I would not call anyone who has seen what he has, a "young lad."
What strikes me is his politeness and consideration for others. He addresses me as "Sir" and even though I have told him it's fine to call me "Mike," it is not something that comes easily. I am not going to try and change him, so if he wants to address me that way, that's fine.
He is unable to talk to his parents - especially his father; can not relate to those in his own age group any more, (most of whom only want to know how many people he has killed, as though Iraq is some sort of video game) doesn't want his girlfriend to know too much as he wants her to concentrate on school, and is wary of any of the US welfare agencies whose details I have given him. However, he did agree to talk to an old contact of mine in Sydney, who has great experience helping Australian Vietnam war veterans.
She is enchanted by the way Bill addresses her as "Ma'am." I can not imagine too many Australian men addressing any female as "Ma'am," but I have noticed that American males - young and old -frequently do so.
My 73 year old mother would love Bill, as she is often put out by young male bank staff and shop assistants addressing her by her first name. Mind you, she is put out by a lot of things and gets her knickers in a twist every time she gets a letter, (usually from a database) addressing her as "Ms." instead of "Mrs."
I must admit, I have never used the term "Ma'am" in my life. I can not even recall the last time I addressed anyone by their second name!
I haven't served in Iraq either - but I have had the honour of email correspondence with a fine, 18 year old man who has - and will do again. A man whose life has been changed in so many ways - but whose consideration for others remains untarnished.
Wherever you may be - be safe!
