I Sent an Email Today...

While with Jason at Walter Reed, two years ago today I was at Arlington National Cemetery, taking part in a Memorial Service with Ken's mom and her family, 2nd anniversary of his death in Iraq. We went out to lunch after the ritual of sharing memories, letting a balloon heavenward and pouring beer on Ken's grave. I remember her saying so clearly, "There is nowhere on earth I could be on this day than here. With my son." I weep

I had been to Arlington in early May 2006 to join the mourners of Gilda's only son Alex. We had the funeral liturgy at the National Cathedral. Gilda and her husband teach at the school there. I can remember so vividly the Honor Guard of the Veterans holding American flags as they stood guard outside the Cathedral. They then led the motorcade through the city to Arlington on their motorbikes. (The guard only does after asking permission from the family.) I had been afraid of them because of rumors but on this very cool sun-filled day they were very polite and totally quiet as they stood guard for the hour long liturgy. A strong wind made the American flags snap-to attention for this soldier one last time. I remember the soldiers who provided the eulogies and the beauty of his young wife. And Gilda's deep heart rending sorrow. I thought of Mary, the mother of Jesus at the foot of the cross; "At the cross her station keeping, stood his mournful mother weeping..."

I decided to send Gilda an email today. I went to Blue Mountain and found one I liked. As I thought of what I wanted to say my heart and eyes overflowed with tears. I wrote, "My tears join yours in hope for healing."

I write this for all of you who have lost a loved one, family, friend in war. I write this for all the civilians in war-torn countries who have lost loved ones. We are not alone we are one as we live into our healing.