Day 9 - Meeting A Mouse

One early December afternoon I stood outside awaiting several coworkers as chowtime approached. We had been at work early that morning and had not yet had a chance to eat. As I stood inside a small wooden gazebo, I reached inside my cargo pocket to enjoy my last pack of cheese-on-cheese crackers. That day, as on many other days in Iraq, work had consumed the majority of the morning, limiting the time one had to step out for a brief yet satisfying meal. Overcome with hunger, I was eager to indulge in the snack.

As I snacked on the crackers, welcoming the warmth of the sun beating down on me, I noticed that I was not alone that afternoon. Below me sat a mouse, eyes affixed on the wrapper, ears twitching at every crumple of the plastic. Squatting down to look closer, the mouse showed no fear. He did not run. Instead, he stood on his hind legs, begging to take part in the dining. Breaking off a small corner, I dropped it in front of him, watching as he dragged it into a dark corner before devouring it within seconds. As I stood up, searching for my fellow troops, I noticed a mouse trap next to a bunker. Inside, motionless, laid another larger mouse.

Was it possible the mouse I had just fed was now alone in this world, looking for a means to survive. Taking chances, trusting others with his life, so he could see another day? As I returned to my crackers, the mouse too had returned. His small size and absence of fear told me it was very young, oblivious to the dangers of life. Opening my snack completely, I dropped an entire cracker for him as I sat on a bench, watching. Instead of taking the cracker into the dark corner as he did once before, he dragged his food towards me, resting on the side of my boot, as he began to eat.

By this time, everyone was ready to leave for lunch. As they approached me, they too noticed the small mouse which had grown comfortable next to me. Fascinated, they too began to entertain the baby mouse. As we fed him and watched him run as if playing hide-and-seek he brought excitement and laughter to the group. Several minutes had passed before we left the mouse and headed off for lunch. As I looked back, I could see him running after us for a short distance before finally stopping, standing on his hind legs once more, watching as we departed.

Meeting this mouse put yet another thought into perspective for me. As the military has sent countless troops to Iraq to fight this war, how many children of this country have been left to fend for themselves as parents would not return home? Home many innocent faces of American youth would chase after their parent setting out for war, watching and waiting for them to return? As with the mouse, I have seen military members here feed the hungry mounts of the children of Iraq. I have seen the smiles of joy and heard the sounds of happiness from countless children as troops roll into poverty-stricken neighborhoods.

As many may criticize the war due to numerous casualties on both sides, many often overlook the attempts made here to bring comfort to the needy children. Food, water, clothes, supplies. Everything makes a world of difference for many of the youth here, who have grown accustom to going without things we take for granted. Many Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines here feel deep regret for what has transpired here since this brutal war began many years ago. Many look into the eyes of a struggling Iraqi child and see the hurt that has been caused, the damage done, the families destroyed.

As we move through this holiday season, the brave men and women of the military are working tirelessly to make a difference. Bringing holiday cheer to the lives of many, we have the chance to meet and interact with the population here. Timid at first, they grow used to our presence, often welcoming us in a hail of giggles and hugs. Much like the mouse I encountered, they too only yearn to be taken care of, wanting someone to show they care. Asking for no more than a handshake or a meal to share with their family, they touch the hearts of many this holiday season.