The wife and I took our daughter to her "favorite park" this evening and we had a blast. We almost always meet other parents there and have conversation while the kids burn off some energy. Tonight we met a guy that just came back from Iraq. This was very cool for us as we are always glad to hear firsthand stories from the war zone. We are also glad to let the guys know that we are proud of them and thank them for their service.

This person was somewhat different than some of the others I have met, which makes the meeting "blogworthy". He just got back this week and is looking forward to going back next month. In fact, he can't wait to get back. The work he was doing was very important to him. What was this work? Escorting people between the Baghdad Airport and the "green zone". Not exactly the safest part of the country, nor what I would call a cherry job, but this fine young man was really looking forward to getting back and helping the Iraqis make something of their new country.

He was very glad to talk to someone that was at least conversant in the issues he faces and the events of the war. I am not an expert, but from his reaction I was one of the most knowledgeable people he discussed the war with in quite some time (outside his buddies that is). He gladly shared stories of the people of Iraq and the people he worked with. We were glad to listen and have our hopes for success in Iraq rekindled.

Pretty soon something wonderful and unexpected happened, our 3 year old daughter came to me and said "Daddy, I'm tired. Let's go home". I don't think I have ever heard her want to go home from the park. I looked around and saw that we were the only people still there and is was getting dark.

Time files when people connect.