The Things They Carried

O'Brien's story "The Things They Carried" really made me thankful for all the hard work our military does for us. It is hard for me even to think about what I would want to carry. We live such a sheltered and pampered life and I feel like we are always wanting more and are never happy for what we have. We complain about wanting the new iPhone or new clothes when people fighting for us overseas just want more supplies to keep them going day to day. Besides the necessities of my weapons, food/drink, and bandages I think I would bring with me things to take my mind off the situation or stress I was in. I would carry a picture of my family, my dog, and my close friends. I feel like pictures can almost take you back to that place you were at and make you happy just looking at them. I would want to be able to see their faces if I was going to be away from them for so long. I would also bring some of my favorite verses or quotes to help me keep my mind at peace and give me encouragement to keep going. I also would keep a journal to write down what I was doing and how I was feeling. Sometimes when I am feeling sad or scared, I think back on some of my favorite memories and I find myself laughing out loud and some of the best times with my family and friends. I would definitely bring a few papers with some of my favorite memories that I could think back on when I was feeling lonely. I would for sure bring pen and paper to write letters to my family and friends back home. My parents always want to know what I am up to and I think they would go crazy if I wasnt writing them all the time. This story made me so thankful for the men and women who are fighting for us and it also made me thankful for all the things that I have. It was a good reminder to be happy with the things you have now and to not always be wanting more.