Bits and Bobs
February 5, 2003

The Roots Family (L-R): Laura, Jenny, Isaura and Chuck at Camp Pendleton

This week I thought I’d just share a few of my musings. They are in no particular order. Simply, they are the meanderings of a wondering (or is it wandering?) mind.

1. I do not like shots. I have never liked shots. As a small child it seemed I was always going to the hospital to be stitched up. First thing they give you is a shot — usually in the posterior, of which mine is genetically protuberant. So after I arrived here at Camp Pendleton in November I began a series of six Anthrax shots. They are all the same dosage and are subcutaneous. (Bet I impressed you with that word!) The first three are two weeks apart, then five months for the next, six the next, and six the last. Then you get an annual booster. Ugh!

Now they’ve added Small Pox. I’ll get that once I’m in the Sand Box [see Staying Motivated, Jan 29]. My wife has a weak immune system, so I can’t be around her if I’ve recently had the vaccine. It’s okay by me ‘cuz I know they itch like crazy! But all of us are getting these wonderful inoculations just to be on the safe side. I like being safe, so I say to the Corpsmen, “Stick me, doc!”

2. I do like the desert camouflage uniform. It is mostly a sandy-colored background. Mixed in are mottled shades of brown. A floppy campaign hat of the same coloration and sandy-colored boots fill out the latest style in military desert wear. I’ll see what I can do about having a picture taken. With a high-n-tight haircut [see Boots on Deck, Nov 13], I’m good to go!

3. I do not like military glasses. I have never liked military glasses. They are euphemistically referred to as "BCGs." Mine arrived last week. My daughters thought this was hilarious when I was first serving as a Navy chaplain in the mid-80s. You say you don’t know what BCGs are? It’s “Birth Control Glasses.” They are so ugly (How ugly are they?) if you weren’t already married, you wouldn’t even get a date. Remember the pictures of Buddy Holly? There you go! (Taxpayers should get a refund!) A picture is NOT forthcoming.

4. I do not like sleeping alone. I’ve been married too long for this. I miss the comfortableness of knowing my life partner is beside me. I miss those things that are stored away in the memory bank of the senses. I don’t sleep as well when I am alone. I miss my wife.

5. I do not like what happened to our astronauts. I spent a good part of Saturday morning watching the news coverage. I was sick at heart knowing these courageous, dedicated people were lost to their families and us. Yet I know they were doing what they loved, and that they understood fully what the risks were. May God raise up more with such grit.

6. I do like Christian testimonies. I heard one today in church. At the base chapel I heard Bob Boardman speak through his raspy, bullet-damaged throat. As a young Marine in 1943 he gave his life to Christ on Goodenough Island (Solomon Sea) on his way to the invasion of Okinawa. He thanks God today for allowing him to be shot through the neck. I bought his book, Unforgettable Men in Unforgettable Times. These are stories of honor, courage, commitment and faith from WWII. I’m humbled.

America, bless God.