I’m worried about Ray. He was part of a convoy driving in Iraq, and it looks like they got hit by an IED.
As I looked at that last panel, white with a black vignette, my mind raced. What happened? Is he OK? What will his wife think — their last conversation in the strip was an argument. Let Ray be OK…
It’s just a cartoon strip, but I am so tied up in the war chronicles in Doonesbury. I have former students and future students that are experiencing this first hand. I’m living it vicariously through a 4-panel drawing. I need to get a grip.
I will confess this secret: everytime I hear or read about a Minnesota soldier killed in Iraq or Afghanistan, I hold my breath, hoping it’s not one of my former students. I know my anxiety is nothing compared to the family and friends of the soldiers; my reaction seems melodramatic in comparison. Again, I need to get a grip.
I do find myself wondering what Garry Trudeau has in store for this story line. I guess I’ll find out in the morning.