I am a civilian working for a civilian company, but attached to the military as a contractor. There are many contractors here in Iraq and Kuwait. I would say the whole operation at this point would slow down considerably if not halt all together without all the contractors in the various roles. Many contractors from the United States come to work here for economic opportunities, but many find much more.

I’ve heard from more than a few civilians in Iraq who have gained good clarity about their lives, relationships and what they believe. Not all of the epiphanies end happily, as some finely end unhappy marriages or leave some weary issue of the past where it belongs…in the past.

Many, like me, think about the future, what life could and will be like and our existence. Not many, contractors or troops, go to the religious services each week, but all are touched perhaps by the tightrope of mortality friends and co-workers walk on daily outside the wire. I’ve heard that some troops in the front lines of this war have gained a keen since of their mortality and eternal existence, which seems most appropriate considering what they face each day. Undoubtedly there is plenty of balance to that experience, as others just seem excited to get back to their quarters and play X-Box.

I’m going to use these days I’m given to start again, look to the horizon one more time and see what the possibilities are and live each day to its fullest.