It makes my head spin...

Another major dose of perspective today.  This morning as I was driving into my job as an actor on a family television comedy...I heard the news that the Taliban had launched a major offensive against the US embassy and surrounding buildings in Kabul.  My brother, Tim, is in one of those surrounding buildings.  Thankfully when I got home, Tim skyped me to let me know he was still here and fine.  It had been a remarkably harrowing day for him and I could see he was exhausted.  Trapped in an armoured vehicle well outside the safety of the main base when the attack began, he and his fellow police officers had had to seek safety, hunkered down in the darkening streets of Kabul until it was quiet enough to attempt a dangerous and circuitous drive back to headquarters. 

I listened in disbelief as he told of the ground shaking as car bomb after car bomb was detonated and rocket propelled grenades whooshed through the air.  Of adrenaline charged tension as suddenly every stranger who came near them seemed like a would-be assassin.  I've no idea what that must feel like.  I spent the day making faces and doing pratfalls.  The incongruity of our two worlds makes my head spin.  

 

Comments

[Carrie Pyatt]

I had no idea Tim was over there Neil. I'm very glad he is ok. I hope he is offered treatment when he gets to come home - how someone can get over being in that kind of situation is beyond me. xo

[Cher]

How extremely terrifying! You are right-we can't even begin to imagine the experience. I am happy to hear that Tim is safe and well. How long is he there for? I had the distinct pleasure of meeting the crew on the HRMCS Montreal. I am thankful for Tim and these other intrepid guardians defending our country and others in peril.