Air Men

It was the last day of 2013. It was nearing the park closing time of 5:30. It was a three mile loop. The  retired air man came. He had passed many times before in 2013. This was his last 2013 run  upon the dike. I held the D7000 to my waist. I took one wide angle photograph. I did not want him to know. When people are near, like the wildlife, I pause, let them pass. Wary, wait, then resume my walk. Earlier Brian had passed me. He worked in the cubical at Florida Power. I passed him every day in 2012. It was odd to pass him out of context.
These walks are not so much about taking photographs. They are walks attempting to right a soul. A wayward soul that reeks of many sins. The photographs are only fringe diversions. An excuse.
As the air man passed, my thoughts immediately went out to my air man son in Misawa Air Base, Japan.
He like me, no doubt needs much space to walk the three mile dike. Three years he will be in Japan. Content I suppose, like me, to walk in total silence, choosing to pause and let family pass.
And yet, in the silence, there is an uneasy feeling. A feeling that something is not right.
Solitude is fine for a season. But not for a life. Not for a family.
Not for a Father,Son and Grandson as Diane said.
Pray.
My word for 2014.
Pray the silent son returns.