4 April

Having completed all of my seders, my focus is now directed towards some training that I am preparing for the hurting unit I described previously.  I am trying to bring to bear all of my study of non-violent/compassionate communication, the Army Strong Bonds material, and Jewish sources on the ethics of speech.  Praying to channel my amazing teacher, Kristi Dee Doden. (themindfulway.net); she was kind enough to review my notes and move them from kindgergarten to PhD level!  I will do two classes Mon. afternoon and one Tues. a.m., and then have a little time to pack for a hopeful Wed. afternoon departure.

The Chaplain Assistant was bemoaning the state of affairs, which is fraught with gossip and division, and commented- “What is this, a high school field trip or the United States Army?”  The HS analogy resonates painfully- only a week ago today one of the Soldiers whom SOME might say was bullied was driven to a serious suicidal ideation.

We provide a ton of suicide prevention training and the good news is that it worked like it was supposed to-   his friends intervened and got him to a place of safety and care. 

On a lighter note, winding down the shopping- I was sitting with my JAG friends this a.m. and talking about various items that folks have had embroidered.  Army uniforms are worn with your present unit of assignment on your left sleeve, and the unit with which you served in combat (if you did) on the right.  I joked that we should have a “combat patch” made depicting a shopping cart!  Everyone laughed.  Shopping, at least for the two women with whom I have interacted most, is a pretty significant hobby.  I think it’s partly boredom and partly the inherent beauty of the crafts and jewelry.

And, in the heartwarming category- this note on my Facebook page:

Happy Pesach!
Thank you for the lovely pictures of the U.S. Army Seder in Kuwait. Our son is Mattew Glaberman. He attended the Seder and shared with us that he had a wonderful evening! We appreciate you having hosted this great event for all of our Soldiers. I know this event brought a touch of home to Matthew and was greatly appreciated!