The Human Toll

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Josiah and I were enjoying a beautiful, warm spring morning on the porch, he with his trains and me with a copy of NavyTimes.

This issue of NavyTimes featured a large section of war casualties with pictures of each person. Page upon page. I was slowly looking through them when Josiah leaned over me, observed what I was looking at and said,

"Mommy, look at all the kids".

From the mouths of little children...

Comments

Anonymous said…
Rachel........
Your Mom took the page out of the Free Press with all of the Minnesota troops that have been killed in action and hung it on the refrigerator. It is a stark reminder of the sacrifices of not only the life that is lost, but the families and friends left behind that experience both grief and pride. I have been on PGR missions where we get to meet the parents of the heros and it is heart breaking to see them, even though they are thanking us for coming. The PGR has been a both humbling and an uplifting experience for me. To see the patriotism and faith ( we have a prayer before every mission sets out) restores my faith in this country. Now we have one of the wounded with a caring bridge site. Take care and we'll see you sometime soon, thank God Hans is not in harms way now, hugs and kisses for all. Love Dad
May 31, 2007 at 5:07:00 AM GMT+2
Anonymous said…
Oh, Rach...it took till today before I could comment without choking up (hard to see the screen if your eyes are full of tears), and I'm still having a hard time. Your son has inherited your "old soul".
Love ya!
May 31, 2007 at 5:28:00 PM GMT+2
Badger said…
I was listening to MPR this morning and they had a segment about a 20-something year old Minnesotan killed in Afghanistan on May 19th. I realized that day my biggest problem was that I was stressed travelling with Sam.
It's so easy to lose perspective sometimes.
May 31, 2007 at 5:40:00 PM GMT+2
DD4 said…
Thank you for sharing that poignant moment. May God bless Josiah and the families of those who have been killed in war. Let's continue to pray for peace.
June 1, 2007 at 4:08:00 AM GMT+2
Brian said…
I don't even know what to say. I was very choked up when I read Joe's comment. Innocent honesty.
June 1, 2007 at 8:36:00 AM GMT+2
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