How Did This Come To Be?

I used to be a flight attendant for the largest military charter airline, World Airways. I began the Spring of 2001… just before the horrific terrorist attacks of 9/11. We had the honor of transporting and serving these soldiers, as they served us. I loved that we were the last ones who got to treat them like humans, before delivering them to hell.

They often sign up for a life career– but sometimes a good recruiter shines up the service & sacrifice for the benefits, like college tuition, great insurance, & a guaranteed paycheck. Now they were headed to war. We loved it when they would come talk to us in the galleys, but as this war progressed–& threatened to expand– I couldn’t imagine what they were thinking…& seriously doubted any of them were going to share that.

As I stared into their faces, full of emotion, yet solemn, my heart just went out to them. They needed a place to let all that out. I thought about what I do, when so many feelings need out, but I don’t want to talk– & it’s to write in my journal.

Since I carried mine with me, & it was the only real option in the moment, I flipped over my spiral-bound, personal journal, & sent it around the plane… & offered them a place to “talk,” with only themselves. And they did. It was so touching to read the entries. I would read them aloud to my crew, once we were alone, & there was rarely a dry eye.

I got them their own journal after that… then needed another… & another.

This project had taken on a life of its own– I, & my crew, loved this insight into their hearts & lives.

I kept these close to my heart, contemplating whether to, & how to, publish them… even though the troops, themselves, as well as just about everyone else I ever told about this, told me I MUST publish it.

So… here it is, with much appreciation for all the support from family & friends, as I really poured my heart & soul into every bit of this treasure. Thank you, also, to everyone who has been excited to read it… because I’ve told everyone who stopped long enough to listen!