A picture that my sister sent me. A picture that is making me cry at stoplights. A picture of my nephews, in the arms of a soldier that they love the last time he was home.
He comes home again tomorrow. For the last time, he comes home. The route home will be the same, but everything will be different.
The cries at the airport won't be of joy. There won't be running to him, laughter and sunshine painting the way into his open arms.
The same people will be there as the last time he arrived home. They might even wear the same shirts they wore when he stepped off the plane. The shirts they made by hand, the shirts that read, "My Hero". Except instead when those same people greet him, they will be greeting a casket.
So this week, instead of words, I'm going to post you pictures.
Here are the first 1,000 words:
May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteI am so sad too. This brought tears to my eyes. I am sorry! I am sorry! He is our Hero too!
ReplyDeleteUtterly heartbreaking. I'm so sorry for their loss.
ReplyDeleteSo sad. I'm so sorry for his, and your, loss.
ReplyDeleteoh sister...i've been thinking of you. all of you. and holding you in my heart.
ReplyDeleteHe was beautiful. May he rest well
ReplyDeleteThat sound? It's my heart breaking.
ReplyDeleteEspecially when my family was so lucky to get the happy homecoming a few years ago.
I can't think of anything to say. It's so wrong that those children should be without their father. But he is and was a hero.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss, and their's.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Jenn.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. I can't even begin to imagine how your sister feels.
ReplyDeleteA beautifully written post. Thank you so much for sharing the photo.
Jenn...beatuiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteHe is a hero and always will be. That picture is worth MORE than 1000 words.
Every day I thank and pray for our soldiers and I don't feel stupid telling a stranger/soldier, "thank you for your service". I wish more people did.
ok my god, those sweet children. and their daddy gone. again i'm so sorry. i wish this just wasn't happening.
ReplyDeleteThere are no words.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. I'm sitting here crying for you and yours and saying a prayer for you all. He's a hero to many. God Speed.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. Those poor boys and... Well, you know.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Jenn and words are so inadequate.
ReplyDeleteI am so, so sorry for your, and their, loss. This post made me cry.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad and tragic. I am aching for this fine solider and his family.
ReplyDeleteI have no words; you're breaking my heart.
ReplyDeleteSo unfortunate to hear about their loss. I wish them well.
ReplyDeleteAnd 1000 more aches send ripples into the ether, remembering him.
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear that this war made yet another victim. Much strength to M's family and friends.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad for them too... Those poor poor babies. I can't imagine what they'll experience as they deal with this loss.
ReplyDeleteHeartbreaking is putting it mildly. Hugs to you all.
ReplyDeleteMy heart stopped when I scrolled down for that picture.. and I had to quickly scroll back up. As always your words and now your pictures are moving.
ReplyDelete-casey
I am so, so very sorry for all of you.
ReplyDeleteyour pictures are astonishing. The welcome he got from the people in his home town. It makes one stop to gasp for air.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking of him too. I just can't imagine...
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry.
ReplyDeleteI don't know you or the family, but I just want to say you made me cry. I am so sorry for your loss and my heart breaks for his parents.
ReplyDeleteOh Jenn. This is so unspeakably sad. I am so sorry for you, and for your whole family. And those children.
ReplyDeleteJenn - the tears are just flowing down my face. Such touching tributes to your nephew. I know this is tough time for your family and you and I just want you to know I'm thinking of you all.
ReplyDeleteI ache for your pain. My brother in law was killed last Friday. He was not a soldier, but his loss leaves a hole in our family just as there is now a hole in your fmaily. He was also 27 years old, and he left behind two little girls. I know I cannot begin to comfort you in your pain, but I hurt with you...for the loss of Matthew, and the loss of Adam.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to all your family.
ReplyDeletejenn i am so sorry to learn of your family's loss. all my thoughts tonight for you, your sister, and his beautiful boys.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any words save "I'm so sorry." I'm so sorry.
ReplyDelete