This was one of the most difficult weeks our family has had to face. With the killing of uncle Dale in afghanitsan and then the wait for his mortal body to arrive. Seemed awful and exhausting but we still had 3 day or some very beautiful but heart wrenching events. Thanks to everyone who came. Some of us felt so helpless and I personally was glad for all the hugs and all the Military men, women and families who gave Dona and Gene hugs, love, Support, faith, hope, and prayers!
Dona and Gene Griffin are so wonderful and generous to allow the media to cover Dale's killing and home coming. It allowed so many others to get a better glimpse of what so many families continually go through. It also allowed so many people to morn with us as we loose our brave soldiers daily. Freedom is not free. Lets not leave our troops hanging over there! I have always been impressed with those who choose to the serve out country through the Military but I now feel a great love and appreciation to the great work they fight for so that we may walk freely through our streets every day. God Bless you troops! You are amazing! and I am so sorry for how mush more loss you are experiencing as you continue to fight. Our prayers are with you! And maybe Dale can help kick some booty from his side of the veil. Please keep your heart and mind open for God has promised to help if only we ask and let him into our hearts!
Very, Very nice Melissa. You're the best. Give my man Clint a hug. Daddyo in Law
ReplyDeleteFor a day or two after Dale's passing I felt a huge guilt at how casually I had been handling the regular news reports on the casualties across the world. I wanted to sit down and write each family of a lost loved one a note apologizing for not appreciating their loss. Gene and Dona's courage to allow this much media coverage has really put a face on the losses suffered. Thanks Melissa, for taking the time to round this out.
ReplyDeleteh.b.
Dear Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that your family has had to go through the grief that comes from such a loss. No matter how much you all believed in your uncle's service and sacrifice, the loss is still felt, and will always be felt. Those who have lost a loved one in our nation's service partake of the nobility of his offering.
Those of us who have never even put ourselves at risk - which includes me - are always somewhat abashed before those who have put themselves in harm's way for our sake. We have a particular duty to live our lives in such a way as to be as worthy as possible of what your uncle and others like him sacrificed for the sake of all of us.
sincerely,
Orson Scott Card
Thank you for your support. Dale was actually my kids' Uncle. He was my friend and big brother-in-law. We miss he and those he fought with every day.
ReplyDelete