“I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, “Mother, what was war?” – Eve Merriam
To any veterans who are reading this, thank you for your dedication, heart, and service to our country.
I think that most Americans take our veterans for granted, and the wars in which we are currently involved for granted. Everyone goes about living their lives, forgetting that there are men still fighting for our freedom and for the freedom of others. Because of Shane's death and my many conversations with his brave brothers who are still serving our country, I am especially reminded how important today, Veterans Day, is and how we must all express our gratitude to our troops in whatever way possible -- through a prayer, handshake, or a simple moment out of your day to contemplate the life that a solider has and may currently still be living to protect America.
I have many veterans in my family and I am equally proud of all of them. Today, as my family and I plan Shane's funeral arrangements, I will be ever more cognizant of our veterans and eternally grateful for those who answered the call.
"Our thanks to those who answered the call,
Who took up the challenge, and gave their all.
God bless those more brave than me.
So that we can live in this Land of the Free."
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.
ReplyDeleteRIP Shane
Beth, and family,
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to all of you. I am terribly sorry for your loss. I have several friends that serve, and have served, our military. Many of them have received one purple heart, and one of them has received two. Your brother, and son, is a hero and I am sure he will be remembered that way.
I never had the opportunity to know Shane. However, if he is the kind of person that people I talk to that know him says he is, he would not want you to shed a tear or be unhappy. Continue with your lives knowing he is always with you. No one can take away your feelings of sadness and grief, nor should they. You can and will overcome them with carrying the gift of his memories, his contact, and his love.
Shane will always be with you. I can say this because I have experienced a similar loss, of a loved one, that was taken far too early.
Sincerely,
Howard