I felt like a 9 year old again, living in the time. I was always afraid my brother or cousins would end up going (I had a cousin who drew #3 in the draft). Fortunately nobody I knew then had to serve although later on I had someone who became a good friend who did. He did tell me some stories.
I have a feeling that Doug was the real deal. It had to be crushing to get that phone call and the eternity it must have felt like running home. It’s a shame he couldn’t come back and live that dream you envisioned. But I am sure he does come back to you from time to time and it should be a comfort to know he is still looking over you. I think you and he will meet up again in a glorious place.
It’s said time heals pain. I disagree. Time soothes pain but doesn’t totally heal. That may not always be a bad thing, since it does keep good memories alive too. Memories one can cherish forever and ever.
Thank you, Ken. Yes, he was the real deal. Everything you said is true. It has taken me a lot of years to get to the point you speak of where I am happy to have my memories and I can finally see my loss as a reason to help others who have lost a loved one.
Robert has been a blessing in getting me to accept that death is a natural part of life and everything happens for a reason.
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened". —-Dr. Seuss
Thank you, Kathleen. Your kind words are very much appreciated. This story was one of the first I shared when I came to Substack. I thought it would give folks a little bit of insight as to who the true me is.
I didn’t realize at the time, no one would see it because I was new and no one knew me well enough to read it. Now is a better time.
It was a difficult time, and it made me who I am now.
Thank you, John. Thank you for your service and Welcome Home. I’m so sorry for loss of your friends and God Bless the thousands of other young men who never made it home. 😒🙏
Heartbreaking and touching story. I was moved to tears for both of you. Tragic.
Thank you, Valerie. You are a gentle soul and I appreciate you.
I felt like a 9 year old again, living in the time. I was always afraid my brother or cousins would end up going (I had a cousin who drew #3 in the draft). Fortunately nobody I knew then had to serve although later on I had someone who became a good friend who did. He did tell me some stories.
I have a feeling that Doug was the real deal. It had to be crushing to get that phone call and the eternity it must have felt like running home. It’s a shame he couldn’t come back and live that dream you envisioned. But I am sure he does come back to you from time to time and it should be a comfort to know he is still looking over you. I think you and he will meet up again in a glorious place.
It’s said time heals pain. I disagree. Time soothes pain but doesn’t totally heal. That may not always be a bad thing, since it does keep good memories alive too. Memories one can cherish forever and ever.
Thank you, Ken. Yes, he was the real deal. Everything you said is true. It has taken me a lot of years to get to the point you speak of where I am happy to have my memories and I can finally see my loss as a reason to help others who have lost a loved one.
Robert has been a blessing in getting me to accept that death is a natural part of life and everything happens for a reason.
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened". —-Dr. Seuss
C.J., That is such a very touching story from your tender young life.
I am so sorry you had to go through the heartache of losing one so dear.
But you are right, once you experience that type of sadness and loss it prepares you for similar experiences later on.
You were blessed to have had such caring and loving parents in your time of need.
Thank you for sharing your heart.
Thank you, Kathleen. Your kind words are very much appreciated. This story was one of the first I shared when I came to Substack. I thought it would give folks a little bit of insight as to who the true me is.
I didn’t realize at the time, no one would see it because I was new and no one knew me well enough to read it. Now is a better time.
It was a difficult time, and it made me who I am now.
Thank you for restacking too.
I was “in” at the same time. I pray every night for my three friends who didn’t make it back home. So sorry. 🙏🏻🇺🇸☹️
Thank you, John. Thank you for your service and Welcome Home. I’m so sorry for loss of your friends and God Bless the thousands of other young men who never made it home. 😒🙏
I’m so sorry for that chapter of your life! I’m happy where you are now, Catherine!
So am I, Wen, thank you! So am I. Where I am is a good place.
Thank you Valerie Nettles and Kathleen Hobbs for restacking this post.
Thank you, Sue Cauhape, for restacking this post. 💕
Thank you, Harley King, for restacking my post.