Decisions, Decisions: "On the Rainy River" Article Response (#2)

The article, “On the Rainy River,” presented a moral question which Tim asks the audience to self search and either relate to his internal struggle or determine how they personally would have handled the situation.  On page 56-58, Tim describes the many questions which he thought up while he was on the boat.  He was contemplating the decision he had made and whether or not it was one which he wanted to continue with.  As he is thinking about this, he wonders if others feel the same way and sees flashes of his past floating by him.  He sees himself as a young boy who runs around in his cowboy hat, playing little league baseball, attending his first prom, etc.  All these memories haunt him and make him question his decision; as well as, seeing all the important figures in his life, and even famous people.  He wanted to know how this decision would impact his life, his future.  

I would agree with many of his feelings on these pages.  Although serving ones country in war is an honor, I cannot say I would do it without wondering how my life would have been if I was not drafted.  I, too, would look back at my past.  I would remember moments which were special to me.  Such as, picking flowers in the field behind my house, selling lemonade on the corner, homecomings, band concerts, cross country races, or going camping.  I would imagine what I could have done with my life if I wasn’t going off to war.  I would long to be around little kids and teach them!  Just as Tim was going to college to pursue a career and dream, as am I.  If I were drafted and that seemed to be “taken away” from me, I would be sad.  

Similar to Tim, I would think of close family and friends.  These people would include my family (Mom, Dad, brother and sister), best friends, and extended family.  However, it would not be limited to these people.  My mind would wander to favorite teachers, ex-boyfriends, and youth group leaders.  These people all made a significant impact on my life.  It would seem like I am going away and never coming back.  Which, I believe, is similar to how Tim was feeling.  He was not sure whether or not he would come back alive or in the same physical/mental/emotional state that he was currently in.  It is one thing to say that it is an honor to serve ones country, and it is.  However, it is quite another to have hopes and dreams of serving your country in a different manner and being drafted into the war, forced to give up the life you have always known.