When I heard this song my mind wandered to all those we lost. Then that thought process exploded when I washed the grave of my high school sweetheart, while my son lay a Christmas wreath in front of his grave. I knew David as long as I could remember. We were always friends, then dated briefly. Never ever in my life did I ever expect to loose him, especially to war. As you grow up you focus on the here and now. You blossom friendships and grow closer with not much thought about the future. You think you are invincible, and think nothing bad can happen. Dying is for old people. Then we all grow up and the realities of life slap you in the face. As I stood by David's grave, I remembered how much he loved Christmas. He loved everything about the season, even eggnog ice cream. It saddens me that I will never be able to see him pass that on to the kiddos I hoped that he had, and the beautiful wife I hoped he would meet.
Then there is Jonathan Stehle. Almost everyday Joe would go to work and see him in the motor pool. They would shoot the breeze. He loved playing with our son when he and I would come to the motor pool. He always was a prankster and and jokester. He was such a wonderful person. Jonathan would wear the tightest jeans and biggest belt buckle when he wasn't in uniform. At the dining out I bet beer that he weighed less then Joe, he didn't believe me and I won a beer!! Jonathan would tell us how badly he wanted a little boy that he could teach to ride bulls. Then one day during a training accident he is gone to be with Jesus. Never in those moments you spent with him did you ever think that it could end, unfortunately it did.
I knew my grandpa was going to be with Jesus, but I wasn't prepared for when he was called home. He beat death before and I thought he would do it again. Not this time. During one of the hardest times of my life, he was gone. You never know when they will be called home.
To all those who have passed away in the OIF and OEF wars who we knew. Joe has served along side so many soldiers, and we are sure that some have passed that we aren't aware of.
I am not trying to be depressing in anyway. I would like to see people appreciate who they have in their lives much more then they do. People throw away relationships and friendships so quickly instead of working on building them. No one seems to talk face to face anymore. Everything is electronic. When they are gone and you wish you had more time with them, why not start now. My challenge is to love those I have deeper. Appreciate those in my lives, and give what I can to friends. I know death is something that happens. All part of a greater plan, but it stinks. So please I hope you join and grow real friendships and relationships outside of computers. Get to know people, so when they do pass you will have all the memories to hold on to as you heal.
