Wishing a very good morning to all active operators who might happen to read this.
All this tension and turmoil here in this tiny sample of the nation's psyche keeps bringing me to the same conclusion:
A very great deal is happening, and many (compartmentalized) people are working harder than they have ever worked in their lives.
This anon grew up with a father who, as it much later turned out, was very high clearance.
He never said a word. It was only when decades passed, things were declassified, and I put the pieces together that I realized.
The stress was extreme, and I saw it many times over the years– the clenched teeth, the smoking, the quick temper. He had cardiac bypass surgery three times, and didn't pass until pancreatic cancer took him.
I know the pressure it is on an individual, on a family, and what it is to have to live a life separate from the things other people take for granted. Honoring one's oath, simply doing your job with your intellect and skills are their own way of giving your life to the service to the nation.
God bless you all so much for what you are doing. I am so thankful to you all. Please know there are people who realize that there are people who serve our nation and their fellow countrymen invisibly. Someone is, indeed, thinking of you, appreciating you. Your tasks are necessary to save this extraordinary nation. Please feel this understanding, encouragement and support as you continue this fight.