reserves

Recently, I fished clumps of crud out of my shower drain and I asked myself; how did I get here? My goal was to clean the bathroom counter and sink. But first I needed to clear an assortment of items off the counter. This led to sorting a small tray in my top bathroom drawer.

Then I grabbed the cleaner from under the main sink and found one of the bottles had dripped. Next, I pulled everything out to clean that up which meant I then reorganized the plastic baskets under the sink to add one for the cleaning supplies. Then I wondered if I could use a basket from under the second sink.

I pulled those containers out and found water in one. Uh oh. A quick inspection revealed the drainer stopper holder pipe thingie (technical term) had popped out. The last time I opened it, a part of my plastic glove ripped off and jammed it. Okay. Easy enough fix. Cleaned and reorganized those baskets under the sink, grateful the plastic one contained all the overflow.

Then I saw the small sink drain snake that hangs on the inside cabinet door. Maybe I should use that on the shower drain? There was some stuff in it. That led to popping the drain cover which revealed sludge city. Way more than the sink snake could handle. I scooped out as much as I could with my gloved fingers, but my digits were not long enough.

Creativity works, so I dashed to the garage to get my recycled wire coat hanger used for toasting marshmallows for s’mores in the fireplace. (I upgraded to fancy ones from the sports store) Proceeded to mangle it into submission and happily fished out clumps of muck.

And boy howdy, I felt like I’d landed a wild ocean salmon when I got great results on this specific fishing expedition. So proud of myself. And that’s when I realized how similar my activities were to what it’s like to live in the United States today.

Fishing through crap looking for gems.

Whatever your feelings about the war in Iran, please SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.

Trust me, I have very strong opinions about this war as an Army veteran, former Air Force Reserve officer activated for Desert Shield/Storm, and the proud daughter of two World War II veterans.

As the creator and instructor for the Writing War Stories class from 1998 to 2000, I witnessed the impact on the men and women who served and still bore the brunt of unpopular public opinion decades after the Korean and Vietnam Wars. I’m sure the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans can relate, plus all the other deployed military members and their families.

Don’t take your frustrations out on the troops. They are doing the best they can in an untenable legal quagmire full of dangerous physical situations.

My condolences and heart aching support goes out to our recently fallen and wounded, and their families and friends. There are no words to ease their sorrow.

On this weekend meant to honor all who gave their lives in defense of our nation, we have troops in harm’s way.

At a time when the Department of Veterans Affairs is decimated, and our current veterans are not supported, this song gets old fast for those of us who have seen it happen again and again.

War is not a game.

Nor should it be used to make people money.

Women, men, children, pets, and animals die. And suffer.

The brave people of Ukraine know this agony firsthand.

In addition, every war stirs up an ugly bunch of emotional sewage for all veterans and their families.

This weekend would be a good time to check in on veterans, friends, family members, or those serving, and let them know you support them.

Because our days in the United States right now resemble cleaning my bathroom.

What I thought was a simple job turned into three and a half hours.

Life is never simple. Neither is logistics.

We’ve got a lot to clean up these days, in the USA and around the world. We’ve got big messes on ALL of earth’s grocery aisles.

We break it, we own it.

But we must support our troops when they are mobilized.

Do it for the future veterans we are making today who are honoring their oaths to the Constitution. At great risk to themselves and their families.

Because real warfare requires steady professionals with strategic and tactical brilliance and logistical magicians.

Leaders who truly care about our troops and humanity in general.

I don’t see that from the current civilians responsible for this tragedy. Far from it.

More like subpar soap slime in my shower drain.

But you know what comes out of our current American decay? Decomposed rot turns into compost. With that we can grow a better democracy out of the wreckage that works for we the people. Not just the billionaires.

Right now, we have to be like oxen and plow ahead to create a better country that is fair and equal for all.

Because as a veteran and military romance author, I don’t want to keep writing about the trauma of our military members who are used as pawns, not people, and the lasting effects of those tragic decisions on their lives.

Serving in the military, we fight, cry, bleed, and die together. We are bonded by blood.

This weekend, please remember the ultimate sacrifice of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard personnel and military animals over the last two-hundred and fifty years.

We owe their priceless gift to our nation more than fancy speeches and photo opportunities for a day.

We have to do the daily work to carry on the ideals for which they gave their lives.

Every small step forward counts.

Lead with kindness and love.

Support our troops.

Have a safe weekend.

Peace out.

 

“Memorial Day Thoughts” Copyright © 2026 by Kimberly A. Cook. Image Copyright © 2026 by Kimberly A. Cook