Pfc Shane M. Reifert

Pfc Shane M. Reifert
Shane during a sweep of the Shuryak Valley, approximately 3 weeks before he was killed. Photo Credit: PFC Sean Stromback

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

We All Die Alone

I just want to wake up from this nightmare and find out that all of this has been some sort of cosmic cruel joke. That we're just being punked. That there's been a mistake and Shane is alive and well and still out there taking names and kicking ass.  

I keep thinking about his autopsy. How he would have been sliced open on a cold slab. How his organs would have been weighed and then placed back inside with care, in a methodical and scientific manner. How he is now alone in a cold box. How I want to rip my heart out of my chest and give it to my brother so that he doesn't have to be in a cold and sterile box. How we all die alone. 

"Every living creature on earth dies alone."
-- Donnie Darko

2 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear about your loss. Our morning show discussed the tragedy of knowing another fallen soldier was from Michigan. This blog is a great way to honor Shane and all of those who have given all for the freedom we enjoy. I hope everyone remembers those who continue to fight for our freedom. We are planning an event for our military families next week to remind our listeners about our troops overseas as the holidays approach. I pray that we can bring our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan home safely, and as soon as possible. Thanks for sharing your hero with us. ~spike

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ahhhh... I remember this feeling all too well. I remember when we got the results of Danny's autopsy, showing the measurements of every part of his body including the length of hair on his head. And I just couldn't understand why they would do that. Why would they dissect him like that?! What did it matter how much his liver weighed? The only thing that mattered was he was gone! Why didn't anyone else get that?!

    I am so sorry for your loss. The feelings that you're feeling now are the same feelings I felt 12 years ago. I would never wish that on anyone. I'm not going to tell you that you'll get to a point where things feel normal again. Because you never will. But I can tell you that the constant hole in your heart gets a little easier to take as the days pass. Just remember all the good times you had with Shane and the sound of his voice. He lives on through you and your family now and all the stories you'll pass on about him.

    ReplyDelete