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

Final Arrival

Two months ago, I had a secret. And it was that Shane was coming home on September 9th. Shane had told my parents that he was beginning the process to come home on leave, but he made me promise that I would not tell them the exact day that he would be home. So we told some fibs and made my parents think that he was stuck in Kuwait when I knew he would be arriving in Detroit on a Thursday. 

I made an embarassingly glittery sign to hold. I packed a bag with chocolate chip cookies and Monster energy drinks for in the car. And when I got a text from Shane telling me when his flight would get in, I could not get to the airport fast enough. 

I stood waiting in baggage claim, wanting to jump out of my skin with excitement. As it so often does during great anticipation or dread, time slowed down. 

And then I saw a pair of Army boots on the escalator, followed by an ACU (Army Combat Uniform), and finally my brother's face. I dropped my purse and sign and wrapped my arms around him in a bear hug. People were clapping. I breathed him in so deeply. When I finally let go, my muscles hurt from embracing him so tightly.  We were both a little teary eyed and had the widest smiles possible. Shane was home. Everything was going to be alright.


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On November 8, my mom, dad, our incredibly kind and caring casualty assistance officer, and myself were at the Philadelphia International Airport, awaiting our flight back to Michigan after having witnessed Shane's Dignified Transfer. A girl in a black and white dress was awaiting something else, though. A flight was unloading and as travelers filed off into the crowd, the girl carefully eyed the gate entrance. My mom pointed her out to me, saying that the girl must have been waiting for a soldier. The girl's face dropped as the gate door shut and it appeared that all of the passengers had gotten off of the plane. But, like something out of a movie, the door reopened, revealing Army boots, an ACU, and a soldier's happy face.  He saw the girl and the two hugged tightly.

If it had been any day before November 6, such a sight would have made me smile. But on that particular day at the airport, my heart sank and my eyes welled up. As nearly everyone else in the area clapped, I felt tears run down my face. I realized that I would never again greet my brother at the airport.


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I knew that September 9th was a special day while it was happening. I didn't know that it would be Shane's final arrival. I am sure that Shane knew what a precious gift he gave to me that day, allowing me to pick him up at the airport alone. 

Over the past few days, my mind wanders to the moments I had with him at the airport when we hugged each other so tightly that we could barely breathe. I still think I can smell him like I did during that hug, even though I know that is impossible. He was so full of life in those moments that it's hard for me to understand how all of that life managed to rush out of him.

8 comments:

  1. I am so very sorry for your loss. My son was at BCT with your brother, although he didn't know him well because they were in different platoons. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.

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  2. My heart aches for you and your family, along with others who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us here at home. Thank you for sharing him, and these stories, with us. God Bless.

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  3. He is and always will be an American hero. Thank God for people like him. My heart goes out to you and your family. Thank you for sharing him with us.

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  4. I am so very sorry to hear about your brother. I have four brothers and will cherish them even more now. My prayers are with you and your family.

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  5. We are so saddened at the loss of your brother. Please know that many people are praying for you and your parents. Always be proud and hold your heads very high, for your brother gave the ultimate sacrifice so my family and I can be safe and live in a free country. RIP Shane, and may God welcome you into His kingdom.

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  6. I am so sorry for your loss and I will pray for Shane, you and your family. The picture of your brother -- his youth and vitality -- coupled with your incredible story about sibling love -- brought tears to my eyes. God Bless you.

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  7. Hi Beth,
    You don't know me, I went to school with your Mom and Dad. And I never had the pleasure of meeting you or Shane.
    I want to thank you for creating this beautiful blog about Shane, and you. I know I can speak for everyone who reads it, that we all appreciate your memories you are sharing. I hope this blog helps you with your healing process. It's a great tool to "get it all out" good or bad.
    We are all praying for you. Big, Big hugs to you and your Mom & Dad, and all that had the honor of knowing Shane, the Hero! God Bless you Beth!~Jeff W.

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  8. Elizabeth,
    I went to high school with your Mom & Dad. While I never had the honor and pleasure to meet Shane I know I would have been in awe of his presence and devotion to duty. I am a veteran and understand his boyhood dream. It's the same dream I had at 10 years old. His service will not be forgotten. My heart aches for your family but be comforted that God has a special place for Shane and all of our veterans. We are forever in his debt for his love of family, country and devoted service to his fellow soldiers. God Bless you Kitty & Kurt! Vince McGuire...redsoxnation_24@yahoo.com

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