Mühltal (Germany), March 6^th 2003

Dear Debbie,

the weather is so beautiful these days, I do not think I deserve it. It is so weird, thousands of coalition forces soldiers stationed in the gulf region ready for war, not knowing if and when they will return to their families, scared of chemical weapons. Iraqis longing for a better future without the brutal dictator, but nonetheless afraid of the war to come that might cost innocent civilian lives even if everything is done to spare them. And I am living my ordinary life, as if I was not involved. Until today. What happened to me today, I wrote it down in a short short story, here it goes:

A morning like every morning, the alarm-clock rings at 6 o´clock, I stay in bed until 6:15, get up, have breakfast, a cup of coffee and a honey-toast, take a shower. Standing in front of my cupboard, I don´t know what to wear, don´t feel like wearing the dark winter-clothes any more, because outside the sun is shining bright and the skies are blue. It is early in March, spring is approaching, but my summer-clothes are lying right at the bottom of my cupboard and when I have finally found them I have to realise that I have put on weight since I last wore them. Compromise: the dark trousers and the light summer-pullover. Last question: which coat to wear? I cannot find the light jacket, so the winter coat will do. Finally! Out of the door, into my car.

On my way to work, I always pass the American family´s house, at least I suppose they are American, as I often see two cars with American number plates parking in front of the house. I don´t know them, I have only seen them from afar.

Today the American couple is outside. They are standing next to their car, nothing unusual. But something is different that day, I look into the rear-view mirror of my car, he is wearing his uniform this morning. I have never seen him in uniform before. I am driving ... but I cannot forget this picture, I have never seen him in uniform before, never. He is not ... The beginning of the war against Iraq has been expected for weeks already, he probably has to go down there and I, I have not even shaken his hand before, telling him he and his family are welcome here. I stop, turn around and go back, but his car is gone.

On a morning unlike every morning, I am hoping to get a second chance to talk to him.

(© by Karin Quade March 6^th 2003)

Nothing to add, love Karin

© Karin Quade March 6th 2003