Too Many Heros

Its been a totally heartbreaking week.

Once again a mother and father get notified that their son was a casualty in Afghanistan.

A woman that is my friend.

A son that was my son's friend.

A whole 24 years old.

Another Hero for us to mourn.

And what do you say to parents that are broken by the news? God is their comfort...but that does not take away the pain. And even though there will be celebrating in heaven when they are all together again.....it doesn't make it easier to see that empty chair at the table this Christmas.

All the could-have-beens.

I haven't seen James for several years so all my vivid memories are of him as a young teen.

And what a kid! This was the one you were GLAD your son was playing with. He was the sweet kid. The kid with a big, big heart.

And his laugh! Oh his laugh! I loved his laugh. It was a true laugh. And him and Bones? Oh they laughed!!! Usually at one of the little sisters expense...... yes, I vividly recall lots of laughter over a wooden snake and a certain little sister that was scared to death by it.

And speaking of siblings, James was one of seven kids. Seven of the closest siblings I have ever met. Besides mom and dad there are 6 other people that are broken tonight. I always wished my kids had been as close as these siblings. Thankfully they will have each other to cry with and remember with.

So today's post is a salute to an American Hero that I feel privileged to have known.

You will be missed greatly by a large number of people. You touched many lived in so few years. Godspeed James.

James and Bones catching minnows. Big deal right? Did I mention it is Iceland? And they have their feet in that water????

Princess Days at the museum. Our gallant knights locked in a sword fight! And if James ever stops laughing he will probably make short work of Bones!
Row boats at the park....helping little sister into the boat. James was always a big help with the younger kids at home.
Typical shot of our boys. Is it any wonder he joined the Marines???
Would that be a war related game?
This is an awful shot but one I kept. You see, this is Bones Baptism day and its the only shot I have of the two of them together on this special occasion. The church baptismal was not built yet so we had to use a local pool in Keflavik.

Tonight, my friends, remember all the families of our fallen hero's.

We have far too many of them in our time.