Five years ago today, Casey, Hannah, & I were living in Portland, Oregon. I woke up that morning with a strange need to call my sister, Shawna. No, we are not twins, but I just knew something was wrong. Terribly wrong. Apparently they had been trying to get a hold of me all morning (they were on the east coast.) My brother, Shawna's husband Jarrod, who was serving in Iraq, had been killed.
It was two days shy of their 1 year wedding anniversary. Just a couple weeks before, Shawna found out she was having their first daughter. To say the least, we were devastated. Casey was the first in our family to meet Jarrod. They were in training together at Ft. Knox, & they were good buddies. We introduced him to Shawna, & they hit it off right away. He loved Hannah so much, & we love his boys Jason & Jacob. What a great man. He had his flaws, we all do, but we accepted him into our family with love. Just as we welcomed his daughter 5 months after his death.
You see, I have always proudly watched my dad serve in the Army (since before I was born), but I was never scared for him. He was invincible in my mind. I guess I thought of Jarrod (& Casey) that way too. So when something like this hits home, it hits hard. Anyways, I could say a lot more, but I have tons to do, but can't afford to cry the whole day away (though I could.) So, please say a prayer for our soldiers (past & present), their families, their children, not just holidays, but everyday. Also, I am going to be looking up some good links for Christmas gifts/cards for soldiers if anyone wants to contribute with me. I know their are some families struggling, even veterans who could use our help, or maybe just a simple card to let them know we care this Christmas season.
Thanksgiving 2002
2003
Sheridan on her 4th birthday.
God Bless!
http://www.militarytimes.com/honor/257000.html
http://www.geocities.com/shawnaleigh2002/always_remember.html
http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oif/profiles/blackjarrodw.html
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Six Years
10 years ago
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2 comments:
Thanks for sharing-- You are a wonderful sister to Shawna and I know that you both need each other.
We may not have our loved ones by our sides anymore but that doesn't mean they have left our hearts.
Thanks for sharing. I've gotten very patriotic over the last few years. I have a great amount of appreciation for those who serve in the military (and their families).
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