Ouch!

I believe deployments make you a lot more tuned in to the frailties and weaknesses in others. Every individual on this planet is carrying some kind of burden, but we don't always know what that is. For this reason, I try to be gentle and forgiving to others. For example, that guy who is driving extra slow in front of me down a two-lane road has some kind of burden, some kind of sorrow. So I choose not to honk my horn at him and just be patient until I'm able to turn off or pass.

Unfortunately not everyone thinks this way and while a deployment doesn't make me frail, it does magnify some of my weaknesses and some of my sorrow. So when others are callous or cold, it hurts a little more than normal. Without giving any details, let's just say I was hurt recently by someone who didn't think about how words can come out. My first word was "ouch!". Lesson learned - this isn't someone I can go to during this time of vulnerability. I heal and move on.

Just a reminder to think about those around you who might be extra vulnerable, even those you don't know, and be kind to them. You might make whatever weight they're carrying slightly less burdensome.