Thanks for the warm welcome to Wednesday Heroes and for the link to this post. What a wonderful comment you received and I love your response

By the way it is my nephew, not my son who is going active duty EOD. My son is still in high school. Please thank your daughter & son in law for serving our country, for me. Gail
Gail | Homepage | 11.30.06 - 5:23 am | #

Now THAT sounds like a meaningful Thanksgiving. Thanks for sharing.
RWA | Homepage | 11.25.06 - 7:53 am | #

To: coach2live@hotmail.com
Subject: my son Lcpl Nick
Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2006 18:13:45 EST

I just found your tribute to my son LCpl Nicholas Manoukian. I just
wanted to thank you for honoring him. His Dad passed away when he was only 12. I know he is with his earthly father and his heavenly father now...but my faith is somewhat shaken...it's all to difficult to accept and understand. I read you are a youth hockey coach...His Dad and I never missed a game as Nick also played from age 6 to 15.Right wing and center...I went from hockey Mom to Marine Mom. Thank you for your kindness.

Mary


From: coach2live@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: my son Lcpl Nick
Wed, 22 Nov 2006 18:25:31 -0600

Dear Mary,

Thank you for your note. I could not have imagined something like this
would ever come to my e-mail box. Believe me when I say the honor was
mine.

I have struggled often with not being able to give that small honor
and respect for all those who have fallen. Everyone of them, and their
families, deserves that much at a minimum. Sadly some will never get
it. To know that a small measure of comfort could be provided by my simple words to even one is encouraging. With your permission, I am going to add your e-mail as a comment to that posting on my Blog page. I think it will be great encouragement to others.

I served in the Air Force during early 80's, when no shots were being
fired in anger. Currently, I have a daughter and son-in-law who just
returned from the Middle East. I have an idea of what it is to worry and not know what tomorrow will bring.

Yes, I have been a youth hockey coach. It has been my joy to teach
young people to focus on a goal and follow through to the end. I have won championships, and lost them. I will not pretend to be able to
identify with what you have gone through. I do not understand why one falls and another does not. I wish I did, and could speak that to the hurt in your heart. But, if I could offer any small encouragement, it would be this: the journey is not over. The end has not come, yet.

Once again, at our house, we are praying that God give back to you more
than you have sacrificed. May the grace and peace of the Lord, Jesus Christ, be always increasing in your life, and home, through the
knowledge of him.

Sincerely;
Coach Mark
Coach Mark | Homepage | 11.24.06 - 10:38 pm | #