I know that the construction going on in Michigan gets annoying. I know that being stuck in traffic really sucks, especially if you’re late for something. Especially if you’re in a hurry. I get that. I really do.
I also know how hard it can be sometimes to merge into crazy freeway traffic. It’s hard to judge sometimes if the big semi is going to change lanes or if the cute guy in the silver pickup truck is going to slow down or speed up so that you can get in. It’s frustrating sometimes, that’s true.
However. Today, that was MY cute guy in the silver pickup truck. And he was simply driving home from an important meeting in our state’s capital. You saw him. You saw him in his Army camo with the “Iraq Veteran” license plate. I know you flipped him off lots and lots of times, to express your discontent at his driving style. I know it made you really mad when you were continually flipping him off and he smiled and waved as he passed you by.
But for you to then scribble a note on a piece of paper…for you to speed up to pull alongside him and press that note on your window for him to read…for you to write “You should have died in Iraq”…I wonder what you’ve been through. I wonder what in life could have made you so angry. What could have made you so bitter? How could you have become so unfeeling?
My Sarge has a wife who loves him. He has three children who adore him. His parents care for and respect him. He is a productive member of society who pays his bills and recycles. He drove the streets of Baghdad every day for a year, trying to avoid the roadside bombs and sniper fire. He lost a friend over there. Other friends are dealing even now with PTSD. He spent a year away from his family, wondering every single moment if he would ever see us again.
But I’m sorry that the traffic was bad. You’re right. That sucks.
I’m going to pray for you tonight, as I lie in bed waiting for sleep to come. I’m going to pray that you can let go of the anger. That you can find some peace. It must be miserable to be so miserable.
And then I’m going to snuggle up to Sarge and say goodnight. And I plan to thank God that Sarge didn’t die in Iraq, no matter what you say should have happened.
I hope your drive tomorrow goes better.
-Bunchy
The Bunchy Blog 
Alison said,
September 15, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Oh. My. Goodness.
I have no other words. What else can you say?!?! Oh my goodness.
I’m so sorry that you and your husband had to experience that.
Huckdoll said,
September 15, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Wow. That is so disgusting.
Sports Mama said,
September 16, 2009 at 3:05 am
Oh wow.
Ya know what? I’m glad he came home, too.
You know my thoughts on our Servicemen and women. That any one of them should EVER have to witness such an extreme act of selfish and hateful non-support just… saddens me. Deeply.
shelley said,
September 16, 2009 at 7:14 am
Yikes! Wow.
Mommy X said,
September 16, 2009 at 10:18 am
All I can say is Wow.
Rebecca said,
September 16, 2009 at 11:46 am
I don’t even know what to say. The gall of that person.
Michelle said,
September 16, 2009 at 12:04 pm
I agree with Huckdoll, how DISGUSTING!! That has sent my blood pressure through the roof. She’s lucky it wasn’t Bobby…
Jelly said,
September 16, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Sorry you had to experience that. That is sinking so low I’m at a loss for words to describe it.
April said,
September 16, 2009 at 7:45 pm
That is absolutely horrifying!
You know what? He doesn’t even have to be a beloved husband and father not to deserve that. And I think you know I’m not a fan of the war, but he’s still a hero to me. And he doesn’t even have to be a hero to deserve some basic human decency.
What happened to her that she would treat others so crudely? I’m not even sure I can care, but it still doesn’t make me wish for her death!
Jaina said,
September 17, 2009 at 3:02 pm
You’re handling this much better than me. I’m horrified and disgusted. I don’t even know how to handle that, other than seethe with anger. What a you-know-what! Please give Sarge my thanks for everything he has done so that I can be safe here. It means so much. Thank you too, Bunchy, because you and your children make just a big a sacrifice for my safety.
Tara R. said,
September 17, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Oh wow… I’m stunned. I am so sorry that happened. I hope she loses sleep over that one.
Mommy X said,
September 18, 2009 at 9:07 am
I have re-read this a few times…not sure why because it just pisses me off more and more. I cannot believe someone would do this. What nerve! Road rage is a scary thing for sure! I love you guys. And I’m glad he made it and protected me in Iraq.
Meg Kempton said,
September 18, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Karen, thank you for being an example. Thank you for finding a place of compassion within you for said miserable woman. I’m glad Sarge is home. And I’m very grateful to Sarge for going to Iraq for me, my family and my nation.
golightly said,
September 19, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Oh. My. Freakin’. Goodness!! I’m stunned and speechless from Crazy Brunette’s choices. Speechless. There are so many angry, hateful people in this world.
I am impressed by they way you handled this. You’re actions are an inspiration to rise above other people behaving badly.
Carol said,
September 20, 2009 at 10:37 pm
I am so sorry that this brunette in the honda doesn’t see all the great things the “cutie” in the silver truck does for her family. He works long hours, misses weekends with his family, goes to war torn countries, spent a year away from his family, and is going to spend another year away from his family…for her and her family. While he is fighting for her freedom he has a wife at home who is scared and alone holding down the fort. He has three beautiful children who just want their daddy home. Thank all of you for what you do for me, my family, and the brunette in the beige honda!