I have been struggling to post this. I'm not one to post my personal life online. If you saw this in another thread, thank you for your condolences.
On 12AUG, 13AUG local, I was awakened by my wife screaming. Our son was stationed at Fort Carson Colorado in the Army. She had received a text from him at 0113. It was a letter. A letter that no one wants to see. She tried calling him immediately with no answer. She kept trying repeatedly with no answer. She called a friend of his and asked him to check on our son. We didn't know where he was but his friend said he was with buddies. My wife tried repeatedly calling again until someone finally answered. It was not our son on the phone. Everyone in the room kept saying that they were not allowed to say anything. One of the other soldiers grabbed the phone and said he couldn't do this. My wife asked if our son was ok. The answer was "No." She asked if he was alive. The answer was, "There is nothing we can do."
Our son was flown home this past Tuesday. We received him at the airport and met his escort there.
His battalion had a memorial service for our son at Fort Carson on Thursday that we were invited to. We were overwhelmed by the amount of soldiers that were there to pay their respects. His closest group of friends stayed behind so we could meet with them. We shared some stories and tears while there. We asked them to come by where we were staying later that afternoon so we could talk more, to which they agreed.
That evening we shared videos, stories, asked questions, and answered their questions. I feel it was good for them as much as it was for us to help heal. No one saw this coming. Looking back, some realized there were some warnings, as did we, but hindsight is always clearer. They stayed for hours talking and telling us about our son and how much he loved us. He talked about us all of the time.
Hanging out that evening reminded myself of when I was in the Navy. Those core friends were his family away from us here at home. Brothers and sisters, all in the same situation trying to make the best of the military while away from home. We assured them that they did nothing wrong and that we do not blame any of them for what had happened. They were there for our son and we are here for them. They are family to us. Our hearts and home are open to them. Anytime.
I'm sorry for rambling, but I needed to "talk". Thank you for listening. Everyday has been a struggle and we are working through it as best we can.
Posts: 3696 | Location: PA | Registered: November 15, 2009
No parent should have to go through this. If there is anything I can do, please reach out.
“Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.” ― Ronald Reagan
Retired old fart
Posts: 6547 | Location: Near the Beaverdam in VA | Registered: February 13, 2005
Originally posted by petr: ... I'm sorry for rambling, but I needed to "talk". Thank you for listening. Everyday has been a struggle and we are working through it as best we can.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your burden can hopefully be lightened through sharing. I can't imagine.
Posts: 7555 | Location: MI | Registered: May 22, 2007
Originally posted by sigmonkey: I'd fly to Turks and Caicos with live ammo falling out of my pockets before getting within spitting distance of NJ with a firearm.
I’m so sorry to hear this. There is little I can say other than a gracious Heavenly Father will comfort you. My prayers are with you.
I'm sorry if I hurt you feelings when I called you stupid - I thought you already knew - Unknown ................................... When you have no future, you live in the past. " Sycamore Row" by John Grisham
Terribly sorry to hear this. Please accept my condolences and know that your son will be in my prayers.
_____________________________________________________________________ “One of the common failings among honorable people is a failure to appreciate how thoroughly dishonorable some other people can be, and how dangerous it is to trust them.” – Thomas Sowell
Posts: 6649 | Location: Chicago, IL | Registered: December 17, 2007
