This time tomorrow

This is the hardest assignment I've ever had and I haven't even witnessed the execution yet. It is a huge emotional drain to cover. I had no idea what the demands would be. It's not, at this point, the actual execution that is so draining.

It's witnessing the emotional toll on the victim's family, the incredible pain of the family, the gamut of emotions of myself, of both victim and prisoner, of both sides. I've touched the surface and have been deeply touched. It's incredible. A friend tells me that's what being embedded in Iraq is like... It has occurred to me that:

"This time tomorrow Christopher Scott Emmett will be or have showered, eaten, written letters, spoken with family - or not. He will be a little more than three hours away from dying.

Unlike his victim, Christopher Emmett will see his death coming. He will know the exact day and time within minutes, that it will occur.

He will know how, in detail, he is to die.

He will have time to think about what is happening. He will have time to wonder what dying is like and to review his life.

He will have time to compose his last words and to speak them. He will have time to write letters to those he wishes to leave with one last message.

He will have time to shower, dress and shave.

He will have time to make his peace, if any, with God.

He will be able to look into the eyes of his loved ones, if any, for one last time as he dies. He will have time to get his affairs in order.

He will not experience the pain of being bludgeoned and beaten. He will not be covered in blood when he dies.

He will have enjoyed a last meal of his choosing. His body will not be disfigured or his skull crushed if his family wants to hold an open casket viewing at his funeral.

He knows who will claim his body.

Emmett and his victim have few things in common. As a matter of fact, the only thing that Emmett and his victim will share - is that total strangers were witness to their passing."

It's a lot to take in.