The question has plagued me since childhood. How in God's name did you charge up Cemetary Hill, or come ashore at Omaha Beach and NOT get hit? Being nothing more than an armchair thinker, I have always been profoundly moved by the men who live with that same question for the rest of their lives, for real. It's as old as war itself.

JLF

I have no certainty if those things happen due to the vagaries of the universe, or because God said so, or something in between. I lean somewhat toward things happening for a reason.

None the less, we are then entrusted by God to do something with what we have, which often includes tragedy. That's a lot of trust sometimes.

Some opt to be less than trustworthy, and some don't.

That part is all on us. Best wishes Byron. I am sure your boy will be fine.

My Father-in-law was a Marine on Iwo Jima. During the thick of it, he looked right and left at his squad and he was the only one still alive. He never could shake that and wonder why he was not killed as well. That kind of stuff does a number on folks heads and will as long as they live.

There is no answer and luck of the draw, seems as good as any. I suppose I should see some plan in this, but I don't.

I do not think there is anyone that can explain the issues of who dies, who live who is hurt and who is unscathed.

I think one carry away from combat should be . . . now may not be your time