May God and the angels be with this mother and her family.
I hope someday this will comfort her. Not now.
I know it will be a long while before that will happen. I will keep her in my prayers.
Oh, my. (stupid tears!).
It reminds me of an experience I had at the USO yesterday. I middle-aged man walked in apologetically and looking a little lost; he didn't know how to get to the naval hospital. Short version of the story: his son is about to undergo brain surgery, whereupon they expect to find cancer. His son is a Marine, a squad leader of a unit who will deploy in a mater of weeks. His father says he keeps saying, "Dad, my men need me!"
(hit "return" too soon).
For that father, there is still hope. But I wasn't quite sure what to say. I expressed my sympathy for his obvious fear/worry, then asked him about his son. He was happy to talk, and tell stories about his son and his own time in the Service, so I walked away from the reception desk and sat down near him. I wanted to hug those stooped shoulders, but refrained. Perhaps I shouldn't have...
Hugs are always welcome, FbL. Do it next time. (And somehow I think you've already decided that).
Someday, in the future, this Mother will find much comfort, in the fact that her son was an Organ donor....and for ''quiet'' time, she was given.........I salute this mother, and her son.
I am often left in awe and wonder at the people who, when faced with the deepest of sorrows and grief that can challenge the human condition, choose to think first of others. This woman reminds me of my mother. Her first thought, too, when we lost my brother, was of giving the gift of life to another. Sadly, such was not a viable option for us.
I grieve and celebrate the life that will shine on within others.
Excellent post, MaryAnn. Know that you are not the AoD -- you are the silver lining within.
Give your Mom a big hug for me, Sly.
Debey (above) tells me in an email that her son Gunnar also wished to be an organ donor. Because he was killed in Mosul that unfortunately wasn't an option for them, either.
Thanks for your wise words, Debey. I'm certain you are right about this Mom and hope she finds that comfort even now.
For all the parents of all our heroes : Thank you.
As I sit here crying, my heart aches for these mothers, these families, and I give prayers of thanks for them.. every single day.
Thank YOU for this post{{{{{{{{{{MaryAnn}}}}}}}}}
Thank you for sharing a very tender and private moment.
Shouldn't have read this at the office...
Even though I suspected where this was going, that hasn't stopped the tears. Thank you, Son, Mom, MaryAnn, and all of the others who help those in need.
FbL, hugs are potent medicine; dispense as needed.
Even though I suspected where this was going, that hasn't stopped the tears. Thank you, Son, Mom, MaryAnn, and all of the others who help those in need.
FbL, hugs are potent medicine; dispense as needed.
:'( how nice that he was able to do that, and kudos to his family
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