Doing what they loved.

[Kindigger]

Yesterday I was talking to my Mother. We hit on a particular subject, and I've never seen her so animated, and outraged.

She asked the question,"When a soldier dies, why do they always say they died doing what they loved?" "What does that mean? Dying doing something you love is dying while gardening, dying in a mountain climbing accident...." "How do you find love in occupying a vehicle, scared to death, hoping it isn't the one that blows up? Where is there love in peering around a corner holding a rifle? How is there love in killing people?"

I replied, "Maybe serving their country? Or following in the footsteps of their family veterans? Love of country?"

She thought loving one's country was too broad. Can you love a place just because you were born? Maybe you can love the mountains, or the ocean. I suppose it could show "love" to your ancestors, but I thought "honor" was more apt. Love being honorable, compared to loving your kids, or being honest & trustworthy? Love your kids...yes. Loving your personality...no. That would be pride.

It seemed a very philosophical discussion to me, and something that bothered her deeply.

Do you agree, or were we pondering semantics?

[Qanisqineq]

1. I would have to agree with you

although I've never heard anyone say they died doing what they love. I'm a soldier's wife and I can't say I've ever heard that. But yes, I really do not think anyone saying that is referring to killing people.