Monday, July 2, 2007

Band of Brothers

Having a bad day?

Think of the coldest that you've ever been (maybe holding an ice cube in your bare hand or taking a cold shower will help out). Then imagine a winter evening outside. Start by digging a hole in the frozen ground -- it's going to be your bed (try sleeping sitting up tonight). You've no winter clothing. And somewhere nearby, hidden from view, someone's firing bullets in your direction who knows right where you are. You're not allowed to retreat.

You may now have an inkling of the life of the soldiers of Easy Company during World War II as they pursued the German army. You just have to multiply the German infantry by 1,000, and plan to stick it out for another 70 consecutive days. You won't be under a roof for two months.

Watching HBO's 10-hour special "Band of Brothers" has been a remarkable experience.

On many days over the course of this privileged life I've drowned myself in a pool of my own self-induced sorrow. Would Easy Company be ashamed to see the sacrifice of their lives wasted on those of us who sulk within our boundless freedom, and retreat from the meekest challenges?

Cheer up and give thanks!

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