Hey tweets, This is not about birds but about a birder of ours. I know many
of you have followed the career of my son Alex, who began birding when he
was 7. Many of you know that Alex joined the Marine Corps last Sept. He
volunteered to go to Iraq in May. On Saturday he was gravely wounded there.
His vehicle was hit by an IED (improvised exploding device). Although Alex
received numerous wounds, including having his foot blown off, he tried to
administer EMT to his commanding officer, who was sitting in front of him
and who had received the brunt of the blast. Alex and his fellow Marines did
save the lieutenant, but it was only temporary. The lieutenant died of his
wounds later. We don't know where Alex is right now, although we know he is
receiving the best of care. Eventually he will be flown to Germany and then
to the US. We are trying to join him, but we can't yet.

I know sometimes tweeters complain when anyone uses this forum to post
anything other than about birds. I apologize to everyone who is offended by
this post. I go to birding when I am in spiritual pain. My sister reminded
me of something I once told her, "After the rain stops, the birds always
start singing." I can't go to the Fill yet. I have to stay by the phone.
Somewhere the birds are still singing; I will think of that. - Connie,
Seattle

csidles at isomedia.com