To Recognize Means to "See Again"

To "see again" is to reframe and understand something that you may have seen before but not understood. To recognize gives us a second chance to see it again. Oftentimes, giving us the opportunity to see something we missed, or to appreciate all over, or to be reminded of those things that are most important.

While flying home from a presentation last week, I was reminded of those things that are most important -- again. And, as usual, it took someone else to remind me when I least expected it. It all started when I found myself sitting next to a young Navy Sailor and he was obviously upset. I didn't say anything as we sat down, but about an hour into the flight he started to talk.

"It just doesn't make any sense," he said, "he shouldn't have died."

[Pause]

He continued, "I'm escorting my friend home today."

I immediately realized that the coffin that was loaded on the plane in Detroit was this young man's fallen friend -- a fellow Sailor.

I listened for a while and then I thanked him for working hard to serve honorably as he and his fellow Sailors all accepted the risks and possibly the ultimate sacrifice that seems to come all too frequently.

When we landed in Salt Lake City late that night, the pilot announced that he would like to show proper respect by asking us to all wait while the body of the fallen soldier was unloaded under the watchful eye of his friend. We all sat in reverance and silence as the coffin was gently loaded onto a cart that was draped with an American Flag.

I went home with gratitude in my heart that I could hug my family.

Here is to the family and friends of the fallen Sailor . . .

When has recognition provided an opportunity for you to "see again?"