I lost my cousin in Iraq. His life was just beginning at 19 years old.
At first my family thought we could find something right or just about his death.
After years of our country in this war, our pain is only multiplied by the fact that our administration put us in a war that had only one purpose and that was to pad political pockets. In their greed, they made us the enemies of the world.
It is really difficult to swallow that my loved on died for that.
The pain just never stops.
I don't want to be around when karma strikes President Bush and VP Cheney, HELL NO!
My heart and respect goes out to all those who have lost brave loved ones for our country.
God Bless them all.
PEACE~

Michael touched on something I never thought of as a feeling someone else would have (it just didn't dawn on me). The desire to join a loved one upon their death. For me, it was a surprising moment of clarity and it was very calming. Shortly after his death, I remember turning out the light one night and saying out loud, after patting the bed, "I'll be with you soon." It wasn't about suicide, but I just don't know how to explain it in terms anyone else can understand. Thank you, Michael.

I can only deal with our wonderful armed forces deaths the very same way I deal with a childs death – God wanted and needed them in heaven so they left us for a greater cause. Sincerely and with many prayers for the family and freinds left behind, Judi Smith from Warren, Michigan

Saying you have my condolences on your loss seems so inadequate but you do have my condolences. I lost my finance in Vietnam years ago and it is still hard to think about that day. I try to remember the days we had together and the fun and the love we shared. It helps but I would still give anything for just 5 minutes more.

Blessings be Michael.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Freedom has such an incredible expense. So many good Americans have given the ultimate of themselves. The right words are so hard to come by to express not only the thanks, but to try to ease the pains of those left behind. No matter the conflict, the losses seem so wasteful. But for me, I know in my heart, that our Heavenly Father has a special place for each of these lost heros. Just knowing He cares makes the grief easier to bear, though it will never stop. Perhaps that grief helps us not forgot and even overcomes the inner anger when we ask, why did it have to be him or her. I honor not only the lost ones, but also their loved ones left behind. Know each one is not forgotten and especially remembered each and every Memorial Day! God Bless to all!

Michael. my sincere condolences in the loss of your soul mate
and special love, Andi. Reading just this much of what you have
written touched me deeply. I will purchase your book immediately.
Writing is a good way to deal with grief. Admitting it and how hard
it still is will help you to heal. I know you may not want to now and
that is so understandable. You will always have her in your heart
and her spirit to help you make it through. I hurt for your loss
because of your immense love for one another. In a world where
people do not appreciate and cherish their blessings, it can be hard
to understand why yours was taken. Stay strong, be good to yourself
and be just as you are now.