My time in Crawford.... (very pic heavy!)

frictionlessO

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Fri Aug-26-05 01:28 PM
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My time in Crawford.... (very pic heavy!)

Edited on Fri Aug-26-05 02:23 PM by frictionlessO

I'll try not to reiterate all the things so many others here have done so much better than me.

Suffice it to say that it was one of most moving experiences of my life and I will never ever forget it. I cried so much... and so many different types of cries.

So I arrived in Austin and was met by DU'er acmeJack, who helped me get a ride to Crawford.
I am so indebted to him and his lovely dog Lulu. He made me feel great coming in... which I needed because I was quite terrified of flying.

I didn't get any pics of my ride buddy I dont think it would have been a good idea anyway, she was sorta shy... so onward to Camp Casey.

I took these shots after I finished setting up my tent.

Moon was all aglow....

and that moon was over Camp Casey.

I walked along Arlington West in shadows and light.

I went to bed thinking of the human beings that once filled these boots....

The next day I took this now very familar shot.. as it says it all....

Then I went to Camp Casey 2.... and talk about "big tents"!

Food Not Bombs was nothing short of Miracle working with this constant spread of incredible food. I plan on giving them donations as well.

I also took this daylight shot of the memorial at Camp Casey 2 later in the day.

I earlier met some awesome DU'ers. KatinMN, Puravidadreaming, DA and his way awesome sister, Anarchy1999 and Mr Anarchy, Liberaluprising and his cool wife, Sonias, Lisa0825 (I think those were the right numbers?), JohnCoby, Westhoustondem, quickly Brainshrub, oh and of course Dylan_Garcia. Sorry if I forgot anyone...

Texas DU'ers rock! They are active, considerate and incredible individuals! They put to shame any red state stereotypes with good sense and aplomb. Color me impressed just for the active minds alone...

So here's a few of us- from your left it is Liberaluprisings wife, LiberalU hisself (I couldn't get enough hugs from him! lol), Puravida, JP who is not a DUer but a doctor from CA who treats PTSDs outside of a base there, and of course the lovely KatinMN.

Kat and PVD were just ... well like family. I knew they would be and I feel like I gained two very loving and supportive sisters. They were an inspiration to watch and be around.

Later in the day I had the absolute honor along with PVD and Kat to meet Lynn Raddach (forgive me if I mispelled her name). She is holding her sons pick over her heart, he died in Iraq. She had been speaking with us for about 15 minutes when she was getting ready to leave she started to cry... we all did. She talked with us for another minute or so wipibg away tears and thats when I asked if I could have a photo of her holding her dear boy over her heart... she obliged. This pic just made me start to weep again as I type this, Lynn had a very strong effect on me.

Later that night Jeff Key an Iraq Marine Combat Vet played taps just past sunset for us in front of the memorial of crosses at Camp Casey 2.... this moment was so very surreal, it was just so darn quiet and solemn. A woman started to sing right after Taps and she was joined by others the community when her voice faultered. It was quite stirring...

About 5 minutes after that I walked around to where Jeff had been standing and playing. My camera is cheap, so sometimes I take two shots of the same thing hoping one will come out better especially when the light is all funky like at sunset. This first shot was taken without a flash and I include it here so you can compare to the second shot taken about 1 minute later with flash. What the heck are those two orbs?!? The large one when blown up has what almost looks like a face... I just dont know what tomake it of it but I include these pics for your own viewpoints.

Last thing for me that night was catching some Steve Earle as I waited for a shuttle.

The next day was all a blur and many hugs and many tears...
All I know is that I have been literally dreaming of being there when I sleep now. I miss the ditch... I miss that hot baking pavement and 85 degree night time tent temps. I miss hearing Buddy Spells reassuring words about what to expect for the day law and freeper wise. I miss the feeling of "something happening here".

I want to close with a special thank you to the local Law Enforcement down there. They are exemplary in their treatment of us. They hold our Civil Liberties above their own political beliefs. They are truly there to protect us and they care, they really do. If you go please make sure to be ever so kind and thank them. After we are gone I am quite sure some locals will be giving certain ones a load of crap. I want them to remember what a good thing a true and focused peace movement is.

I also encourage you all to thank Buddy and his wife for all the awesome legal work they did. They worked no small miracle themselves...

Peace to you all and thank you for looking in on this thread, so many of us there couldn't wait to share with you back home. Your support was felt and at times sustained me. Just knowing so many DUers who wanted to be there but couldn't made a difference.

Many and much love to ya'all.