Pensamientos

I wonder if my son will still enjoy camping after soldiering in the war in Iraq for the past year? Living in a tent, sweltering from the desert heat, tasting the grit of blowing sand, showering once a week with a solar shower or washing with baby wipes, might well have dampened Paul's appetite for the great outdoors. I hope not. Our family has always loved to camp. We've spent many memorable summers in the beautiful forests of Oregon, often camping in Rogue Elk park on the Rogue River, a short distance from Crater Lake. My sons and I would fish for the mighty Spring Chinook salmon at Casey Park, or go rafting down the river. At night the the relatives would join us by the campfire for food, a game of Uno and warm conversation. The kids would sit around the fire toasting marshmellows while the moms made choclate s'mores. Son Paul would strum his guitar, while son Luke and his cousins Matt and Josh would figure out some trouble to get into. The dads would drink a little wine and beer and tell fish whoppers about the ones that got away. These were precious family times. I'm certain that after the war experience, my son will need time to re-adjust. I don't think I'll invite him to camp for a while. "War is Hell!"