Brothers have special places in your life and in your heart. After they die it can break your heart. Unfortuantly for me my heart has been broken twice. My oldest brother Shawn died October 29, 2007 and little did we know we would have to go through the same thing shortly later when my little brother Todd took his own life also December 5, 2008.
Shawn served with the 3rd ACR as a Calvary Scout in the US Army in Iraq 2004-2005. When he returned home he suffered with PTSD. We didn't understand how serious it was for him. Sadly, this has been very real for alot of veterans returning home from Iraq and Afganistan.
Although, Shawn is no longer here on this earth his the memories we have of him will never leave us. One specificaly I have impacted my life greatly and all he said were five words. I was in the 7th grade. As we know JR high girls have alot of drama. So bare with me. Another girl accused me of talking smack about her, and there for she thought she needed to fight me. After two months of missing alot of school and going home early (which I never told my parents at the time what was going on) I finally found some help. One night I was sitting in Shawn's room and I told him everything that was going on at school. I could see the love and hurt he was feeling for me in his eyes. He looked up and said "Sometimes you have to fight." I understood what he was saying. Would he have fought for me?.... He would have if he was able too, but this was my fight. I had to stand up for myself. The next day I knew what I had to do. I prepared myself and was going to stand up for myself. Amazingly, somehow my principle intervened before anything could happen... Which I have asked Mr. Peterson about how he knew and he said he had is ways. :)
But If it hadn't been for Shawn's advice I would never have learned that lesson that changed my life.
Those five words represent who Shawn was. Bobbi and Amy can attest to this as well. No matter how much we were picked on by Shawn, he always watched over and protected us. He even fought for us..... Shawn taught us there are things worth Fighting for, and giving your life for.
Heaven and Earth become alot closer when you have a loved one in heaven cheering you on.
Mandy I can't imagine how hard that would be to go through. I love your last line...perfect!
ReplyDeleteYour so caring Sandra thank you. It was hard going through it at the time. Now its more or less impatiently waiting. Somedays the heartstrings tug more then others and memories come flooding back. But all in all its how its supposed to be and the lord is in controll and I put my faith in him. :)
ReplyDeleteMandy, I never knew Shawn, but he sounded like he was a true American Hero. Anyone who can sacrifice for their country like he did is a person who represents what this country is really about. The picture of him on the video when the page loads looks just like Todd. I love how positive you are, you are really amazing, don't forget that!
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie. =)
ReplyDeleteHole cow Mandy! You are so amazing! You are so talented in every way! You are a very beautiful person inside and out!
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