Wednesday, April 11, 2007

No pictures today. I was going about my day. Got up for the day, fed Ransom, Breakfast and off to work. I talk with Eric about 6:30 am and Chelsey about 8:00 am. Going through the day with the daily routine. I work in the back of the airport hangar (Chelsey calls it the ghetto of the hangar). I had walked up front to bring some filing and noticed a couple at the window. So I asked, “What’s up?” the response,” They’re bring that guy home from Iraq”….

I walked outside and stood on by the runway. There wind chills were in the teens, it was 25 degrees, -- no coat--but there was no way I was walking off. I stood there out of respect. I saw the color guard. I was OK. I observed the casket with the red, white, and blue covering it. I was dealing with it. I heard the cadence, saw others saluting, I felt heavy hearted. I when I heard the cries of family members twenty feet away, I grieved. My heart broke for them.

But this day, this entry is not about me, it’s about the family of this fallen soldier…my heart, my prayers go out to them. I can even imagine what they are going through. The strength your faith must have to carry on after something like that.

12 comments:

Joanne said...

Thank you for standing out there. I hope no soldier comes home without someone standing out there with a heavy heart. Hugs and prayers.

Kairle Oaks said...

How very sobering. In our home we pray not only for those who serve in the military, but for their families who couragously move forward while their loved ones are away. God bless them all!

Carole said...

How thoughtful of you. I can just imagine how difficult this must be for the family. Words fail me! Every day I pray for world inner peace. I figure if every one is inwardly peaceful, it will reflect outworldly and no more war and violence. Keep well!

CONNIE W said...

The experience you described is so filled with sadness...for that family, for those who were there...and most of all for a fallen hero. xoxoxo

Juliann in WA said...

what an experience - I think for so many of us, we don't have out daily lives really touched by this war - thanks for sharing this moment with us

Dawn's Daily Journal said...

My husband is in the Air Force and this is something we live with on a day to day basis. Thankfully he has not had to "go over" but I know others who have. I'll be thinking about this person today.
dawn

Leigh said...

You will be in my thoughts today.

Sweet P said...

I ditto Joanne's thoughts - thank you for honoring one of our soldiers.

May Britt said...

War is a awful thing and brings so much sadnes in our hearts.

The Calico Cat said...

The mere image brings tears to my eyes...

Carol said...

Oh Mel...my heart is heavy with yours. I can't even begin to imagine what that poor family is going through. How wonderful of you to be there.

Libby said...

Yes a heavy heart - but one filled with gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice, a gift to us that we remain free. Prayers of thanks for the soldier and strength for his loved ones.