The front-door war
By Martin Savidge
CNN
ATLANTA (CNN) -- I started work earlier than expected Thursday, and I got home late that night. Terrorism was to blame. The turkey was in the oven, the kids were on the Internet and Santa was already glowing in the front yard. I fell on the sofa and watched the "Wizard of OZ."
None of us are in Kansas any more.
So much has changed in the last year or so. Terrorism did that too. Of course it has existed in the world long before September 11. Americans didn't give it a lot of thought until it hit home. Now the War on Terror is on, and the road ahead looks long and dark.
There are no yellow bricks to follow.
Friday, I was talking to a reservist in the National Guard. While most of us debate what to do with turkey leftovers he's filling out a will, organizing his business to run without him and talking to his children about the war he soon may have to join. And he isn't alone.
This holiday season is filled with anticipation and it's not just about what sort of gifts we will be getting. As a journalist, I will follow the troops. My kids often ask me where I will go, how long will I be gone and will I be safe.
"I don't know."
But as soldiers get ready to leave, from Kansas or anywhere else, for the first time perhaps they wonder if those they leave behind will be safe.
These days, like never before, the frontline and the front door are one and the same.