The most important thing in all this, no matter how you feel about war, is that no one likes to be forgotten. Believe me, I would like nothing more than to forget that there are soldiers over there AND that their wives, husbands, mothers, fathers and children are back here doing WITHOUT them. 2005 was the worst year of my life, while my son was deployed, and I'm eternally grateful that the worst thing didn't happen. One of my husband's employees was called up last week, for his second tour, and we said goodbye to him on Friday. They're expecting their third child. After 2 years, I'm finally able to look a soldier in the eye without bursting into tears.

I would love to forget and it's easy to do when you're not personally affected. The day my son came home I said how I'd like to forget. My normally very reserved son said, "You can't." I took it as an edict. Don't forget them. And while you're not forgetting, maybe remembering their families will make it more real for you.

Would someone please send me a paypal address so I can send some money for the Baghdad Bike Shop?

Karen