Wednesday, December 3, 2014

In Loving Memory

The day I made the choice to raise my hand and give myself to the military I was filled with a sense of pride and anticipation. It didn't cross my mind that my mother would feel anything other than pride, as well. I was, after all, an adult.

Years later, I found myself sitting alongside a parade field watching my son march in formation, wearing the uniform. This time the pride was accompanied by apprehension. The child I'd nurtured and protected all his life had taken up the mantle and placed himself in harm’s way to protect the nation. But I was one of the lucky ones.

When the ultimate sacrifice is made our heart is forever broken. We realize the choice was never ours. Our child was, after all, an adult and proud to serve.

My second cousin Misty and I connected on Facebook a few years ago. Her mother and I had been close, growing up. It was nice to see what a wonderful family she had and how close they were. Then one day two years ago Misty announced that her son Michael had made the decision to enter the Marine Corp.
Sadly, she lost him last month.

Misty is not yet a professional writer, but she loves poetry and has written a poem to her son.
With her permission, I'd like to share it with all of you in his honor.







For Michael

What I wouldn't give to hold his hand,
that young, and brave, courageous man
who gave his life to the proud and the few,
those who sacrifice all, to do what they do.
Though he lay in silence, there is much to be said
for the lives he's touched and the tears now shed.
This young man of twenty-one,
who laid down his life to pick up a gun,
to join the ranks of the U. S. Marines,
the meanest and bravest of the fighting machines.
Though, in him, there was so much more,
a goodness and kindness to his very core.
An infectious laugh and a beautiful grin.
A loyal friend, was this man among men.
A loving son, a dutiful brother,
he'd give his last to help another.
Quick to love and slow to anger, 
Michael never met a stranger. 
And if ever he thought he may be at fault
and hurt another, then always he sought
their accepting forgiveness with a heartfelt plea,
the first to extend an apology.
We will miss his hugs, his humor, his encompassing laughter.
Until we meet again son, in that great here after ~

Misty Tuttle

11 comments:

  1. How sad. He looks so young, too young to be fighting on the other side of the world, too young to die. My heart goes out to her and to all the mothers who sent their sons off to war only to lose them.

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    1. Believe me, Sue, we don't have to send them - they run. Thank you for your kindness.

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  2. What a touching tribute. My heart goes out to her and her family. They'll be in my prayers.

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  3. A wonderful tribute and such a profound loss. My sympathies to her and her family. My thanks to him.

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  4. There are no words to express our appreciation to those who give so much to us and our great country. We are humbled by their sacrifice. What a great man. Thank you.

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    1. I agree, Margo. Those willing to make the sacrifice are what makes this country great.

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  5. Too young, too bright, too kind to have gone. If men would learn to settle their differences peacefully, so many good and dear young adults would live to shine and add much to this world. My sympathies to your family.

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  6. I am so sorry for your loss! I am praying for your cousin and her family. Her poem was touching, a lovely tribute to her son. During this holiday season my thoughts are with all who serve.

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