...no matter if it is in death or for an extended length of time, it is still a loss and it still hurts.
Joel deployed today for the U.A.E. (Middle East) early this morning and will be serving over there for a year to a year and a half. It was hard to say goodbye on the phone yesterday, harder than it ever has been, although I tried NOT to let him know this. He is in a different place and I didn't want to make it worse.
Why this time did it hurt so bad and not the others? I think for a few reasons. You see, yesterday, a childhood/high school friend of my brothers also passed away in a tragic car accident. This childhood/high school friend was the brother of one of my high school friends, Alex. I cannot even imagine what he is going through right now and while over the years we have lost touch, visiting and remembering the good times we had last at my cousin Jon's wedding a few years back, my heart still hurts for him. I haven't brought myself to call him or his family, who all have special places in my heart, only send a text message to let them know I am thinking of them. If you are a person that prays, please keep the Shada family in your prayers.
While I have not lost my brother in death, I have lost him temporarily in war. Yes, my brother signed up for this, I know, but when he was in the states I just felt better, like he was more safe. Over there, not so much. So Joel, if you are still able to read this when you get to where you are going, please know that I love and miss you to pieces and thank you for serving our country. For those of us still here, thank a soldier.
4 comments:
i couldnt even imagine..im sorry girl...he is is so brave thank u joel! ....lv u girl..if u need anything im here...and so sorry bout the loss of ur friend...my prayers are with his family
Jeez Jenni, thanks for making me cry.
I really don't know what to say- Seems like you have been dealing with a lot of "loss" lately. I wish there was something I could do to make you feel better.
Your brother is amazing, brave, and I truly believe he will make it home safe. I think being in the military is the hardest, yet the most rewarding job ever. All you can do is be supportive and show that you are proud of him, which I know you are... I am too :)!!
I will keep you, your brother, and your friends family all in my prayers.
Wow, Jenni, you can sure make a girl cry. You should write a book - you have a way of putting words together that amazes me! I know Joel knows how much he will be missed and is loved.
My prayers will be with him and the Shada family. I can't imagine being in their shoes right now.
We will definitely keep Joel in our prayers. I am positive that he will keep the faith & determination he needs, to get back home to his wife, kiddos & rest of his family.
Love,
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