May 5 will mark the 14th observation of Alive Day in our home. It’s a strange thing, Alive Day. It’s not a day of despair for us, despite the solemnity of the event and the loss of two of his soldiers. My husband is thankful for every moment he is present, but it is not a day of celebration, either. I, as the person who cares for and shares this journey with Terry, am left with no ‘right’ words or ways to observe this anniversary.
Through the years, our focus has been, to try to be living memorials, if you will, to the men we lost that night. To be mindful of the second chance we have been given, and to not squander it, while still honoring their sacrifice. R.I.P. PFC Bradley Kritzer and Spc. James Marshall, you and your families, are in our hearts and minds every day.
“Sorrow may last for a night but joy comes in the morning…”
Allegory
What if, when Sorrow felt
The Carrier fell and anxiously knelt
At the grave of hope’s dusty tomb
Outlined in the bleak light of moon
With her head bowed she heaved a sigh
And rent the air with her cry
While in the poltroonish cover of night
That Sorrow did clash with hallowed light
And Carrier crumpled and aggrieved
Could not battle her joy’s thief
But as the sun did split the sky
The light victorious gained its prize
And Sorrow conquered was forced to flee
So Carrier could arise free.
Beautiful, Colleen. I appreciate the glimpse inside and the way you’ve paired the sorrow with the “Alive Day”. I was quite affected.