In Memory and In Honor

Our calendar is comprised of 12 months and 365 days. Each day has a special meaning to someone. Each one an annivesary of something. Weddings, birthdays and certain milestones are all things we celebrate. We look forward to them coming each year. However there are other events which occur that we don't celebrate. We simply remember. We choose to remember because the event shouldn't be forgotten. September 11, 2001 is one example. April 27, 2007 is another. April 27, 2007 is just another day on the calendar to many people. But it is a day of great pain to others. It's a day that a life was saved and two were lost on a lonely road in Iraq. On a dusty, dirty road two young honorable men died while serving their country. In an instant their worlds ended so very far from home. Two lives, one 20 and one 21 cut short before they truly began.

Now on the one year anniversary I remember them along with the families and friends they left behind. The memories of that day will never fade. With each year that passes the reminder of this tragedy will be on the calendar. Even though you'd like to forget , the day still comes. It's still there time after time and year after year. And you're forced to remember, to go back and reflect.

The horrors of that day continue to haunt those who were there. I've seen the effects of what they witnessed there. I've seen the pain and agony in their eyes. I have seen grown men shed tears as they relive it. Their bottom lips trembling as they try to make it thru one sentence. The anger, the pain, the heartache, the helplessness, the sadness and worst of all..the guilt. The guilt over surviving, the guilt over not being there and the guilt over not being able to do more. And the haunting question of why..why did this happen? A question for which there is no answer. A question which no comfort can be given. No resolution can be found. The worst question there is...why?

I have always been told that time brings healing. I believe that to be true to a point. I don't think you ever truly heal from some things. Time soothes the wound and makes it easier to get thru the day. But you never truly heal, because you never forget. There's always a reminder..and that same haunting question......why......?

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am in a thousand winds that blow,

I am the softly falling snow.

I am the gentle showers of rain,

I am the fields of ripening grain.

I am in the morning hush,

I am in the graceful rush

Of beautiful birds in circling flight,

I am the starshine of the night.

I am in the flowers that bloom,

I am in a quiet room.

I am in the birds that sing,

I am in each lovely thing.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there. I did not die.

RIP PFC David Kirkpatrick and SPC Eddie Tamez