(Let me finish yesterday’s mysterious partial posting…)
I’m looking at a door to the left of where this computer sits and there, hanging on the door hinge are press credentials from years of travel to Olympics, presidential trips, political events and breaking news stories that took both Leroy and me to many corners of the world. Sometimes we needed press passes to gain access to the news makers.
There’s one that catches my attention. It’s from 2003 and Leroy’s picture is on it and in big red letters it says “EMBEDDED 3-ID”
He wore that ID every day from February 28th to April 28th as he made his way across the dessert and into Baghdad with the 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq. His team from ABC NEWS ‘Nightline’ did incredible work over there and the experience changed his life. Every war and story of human conflict Leroy covered, changed his life.
In this particular circumstance, he met a young soldier who would become a life long friend. Even if Leroy’s life ended in 2008, these two were like brothers up until that time.
Fast forward now 11 years from that war experience and there I was sitting in a beautiful garden setting with the sun shining and the breeze just barely strong enough to nudge the blooming roses. That young soldier, now a veteran of many conflicts, was standing at attention, but this time he was waiting for his bride to walk down the iris lined walkway where they would join hands and become husband and wife.
There they were thinking about what was to come: a future full of making memories together. Wars and conflict had no part in this celebration. It was all about this beautiful day and their future together.
I was in the moment too, but it pulled be back to the past and pictures of the tanks and Humvee’s rolling over the dusty dessert floor. I see this brave soldier and Leroy side by side dressed in camo gear, not thinking about brides and roses and garden settings, but what might be waiting just over that next bridge.
I’m here at this wedding because of their friendship.
I come to this garden with that friendship in my heart. These two men embedded for life.
May 31, 2014 @ 7:11 pm
Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful love story.
May 30, 2014 @ 9:14 pm
Al nice to see you again. Your light is sorely missed here, please return as often as you feel able or the desire arises.
Laurie it is one of the strange occurrences of life that folks move into our lives, seemingly without reason, yet they remain tied to us and we to them.
May 30, 2014 @ 4:03 pm
Beautiful story Laurie….
May 29, 2014 @ 11:51 pm
Laurie, thank you for “the rest of the story” as it is wonderful and worth the wait. I’m glad you are witness to some happiness.
May 29, 2014 @ 7:29 pm
A great story and so touching. Best wishes for a long and happy life.
It takes me back to a time so many years ago when we began our journey in life. Today is our 49th anniversary….a great day to celebrate but so bittersweet…Linda is here in my heart and mind. I am so grateful for all who have come here and have commented on our loss. You’ll never know and I can’t express my gratitude and thanks. So many special people who have reached out to comfort us in our time of great grief and loss. We are still struggling..triggers come when we least expect them but we will cope as all of you have. The sadness just overwhelms at times..loneliness in a crowded room doesn’t seem possible but it is. As we all know, life is about sharing and when you lose the one with whom you share your life, emptiness is left.
I don’t feel sorry for myself but I do feel sadness and loneliness. I think this is normal but I don’t know what is normal any longer. I stay busy..Meals On wheels, God’s Garden and Changed 2 Ministry, etc. and I really enjoy them all but when I come home, silence greets me and I am immediately immersed in sadness and loss. I have a great support system of family and friends, thankfully. Their sadness and loss is omnipresent as well when we get together to reminisce and share memories..
I’m rambling and probably not making much sense. One of the reasons I stay away for now. All of this sounds selfish and unique to me when it really is just the grieving process. I wonder will I ever be Ok? I also wonder what does OK really mean to me? Maybe in God’s own time, it shall be revealed. Thank you for reading my thoughts and for being a place I can share my feelings openly. God bless you all.
May 29, 2014 @ 9:22 pm
Al,
You are on course. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true. Sadly it’s the path so many of us here have taken and it hurts so much. I only wish I could take away the pain. Those little moments when you feel a whisper of peace or a touch of calm: hold on to those moments, they are golden.
You mean the world to us, here. We hold you in our hearts. There is no rambling here, only feelings that need to be shared.
We’re so glad you’ve come back. Don’t stay away.
Laurie
May 30, 2014 @ 9:09 am
Thank you very much for your encouraging words.
May 29, 2014 @ 11:49 pm
Al..it’s good to hear your “voice”. There is no right or wrong in this grieving process so take it a moment at a time. I’m glad to hear you have a good support system so please take advantage of that and let them be there for you. Please know you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
May 30, 2014 @ 9:10 am
Thank you for your kind words, your thoughts and prayers. I take comfort in all of them.
May 30, 2014 @ 4:01 pm
You’ve been missed my friend… Your words have always been guidance for so many of us… We are here now to help you…
Many of us have walked the path you are now on… Let us be your light! Hugs..
May 30, 2014 @ 7:02 pm
Thx Laurie. I know so well that many of you have faced grief, loss and loneliness. I’m somewhat embarrassed to come here with my plight in life. You all have shown that it is possible to grieve and to move forward, not ever forgetting your loved ones. I take great heart from the many examples here to know that it is possible. Your lights shine brightly for this old man who is “lost in my loss”. Hopefully I can follow all of you out of this darkness into the light of joy and happiness. Right now, I’m not sure. God bless.
May 29, 2014 @ 7:20 pm
A moving, poignant story beautifully written. Thanks.
May 29, 2014 @ 5:27 pm
Embedded is right- the soul of friendship is embedded. This is a beautiful story.