“All the places I've been and things I've seen a million stories that made up a million shattered dreams”
From the very first time I heard this song, on an episode of Criminal Minds, it evoked a very powerful emotional response. Firstly, this song makes me think about my baby brother Jock and his multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan as an MP in the Army. I cannot even begin to imagine what that must have been like for him. We are close and sometimes he shares some things from his time over there but like a lot of soldiers there are things I’m sure he prefers to keep to himself.
“The faces of people I'll never see again And I can't seem to find my way home”
Secondly, this song makes me think of all the people I have lost over the years and how I would give almost anything to see their faces just one last time.
“Cause it's almost like Your heaven's trying everything To break me down 'Cause it's almost like Your heaven's trying everything To keep me out”
And lastly, as someone who has done their fair share of soul searching and contemplating the bigger questions about life and what comes next, the above lyrics perfectly describe how I feel at some of my lowest moments.
Larry’s Perspective:
I would not know this band if it were not for Shannon's brother. I can vividly recall when we got the news that he was being deployed to Iraq. We pulled our money together and got Shannon a ticket to see him at Fort Hood, Texas (yes I know they renamed it to Fort Cavazos) prior to his deployment.
That was a pretty stressful time for Shannon - her baby brother was literally being sent to war. He was in the Army; Military Police to be specific. So aside from dealing with actual outside danger I know he also had to deal with inside shenanigans.
Though since I've come to know him better over the years, I'm positive he took part and/or instigated his own fair share of shenanigans.
These lyrics really hit home relative to that type of experience - one that I cannot even imagine. He would actually serve three tours, and Shannon worried about him for quite a while.
He did retire from the military - and although Shannon had no desire to move back to Kansas, I leveraged the fact that we would be so much closer to her brothers - One three hours west, One 45 minutes East and One 3 hours East - so essentially we would be smack dab in the middle of them and their families.
I have to say a heartfelt thank you - to all who have and will ever serve. And especially Jock...
Ghost of a Chance 