I like the axiom that it's the little things in life that are infinitely the most important. Today it was a plate of chips.

It's only been a week this time since Yoni was last home on leave. I watched him step off the train this morning, walking tall, straight-backed despite the weight of a weeks laundry and an M16. I smiled the smile that signifies a father's love, respect and admiration for his son, and acknowledges the slight watering of the eyes. Our boy was back home again. Safe.

I watched my beautiful soldier boy demolish great chunks of shwarma as he described to me a week of activities and adventure with the enthusiasm unique to a young man discovering himself. 

Dozens of crazily conflicting emotions racing through my head as they have been for the past 7 months. Does anyone else really understand what's going on here? The price extracted on each and every family?

The owner appeared with a gratis plate of chips and felafel balls. "Combat soldiers" he said "deserve a little bit extra". 

People here do understand. 

Chag Sameach.