my husband's older brother
This past few days Facebook has been full of posts reminding us what Memorial Day is really about. That it's not about cook-outs and fireworks, it's about remembering. Something that anyone who has ever lost someone to the service of our country is accutely aware of.
We remember every single day. We remember when we salute the flag, we remember when we hear of another young man or woman joining the service, we remember when famlies are welcoming their loved ones home, we remember when we sing the National Anthem. and we remember with an ache in the pit of our guts when we hear the 21-gun salute. Memorial Day parades are tough. In so many ways, it feels like just yesterday, and in so many ways it feels so long ago.
I've been grateful this year and last that my husband is spending this weekend with his other brothers and his brother Tom's son. We carry him always in our heart and memories.
I left this photo full size to make it easier to click and read.
I borrowed this one from book - it comes with this caption:
Caption from group "Marine Detachment, USS Enterprise CVN-65"
Tormanen giving Whitt a buzz cut with Sgt. Armstrong schooling Fortes, Regalado, Barf
What a beautiful letter. He was so young and eloquent. Love to all the Torms!
Posted by: Jen t | May 28, 2012 at 08:07 AM
A wonderful letter to have. Thanks for the reminder of what this day is about. God's blessing to you all!
Posted by: Ann Bimberg | May 28, 2012 at 10:35 AM
Thank you for sharing this today. I've just been to our local cemetery - hundreds of 6' flags make for an awesome time of remembering...
Posted by: Sandi | May 28, 2012 at 01:47 PM
Thank you for posting that. I read every word! I will think of your family today and esp Tom's son!!
Posted by: Jersey Girl Anne | May 28, 2012 at 01:48 PM
All these years later, and the tears still flow. I am so thankful for the blessings that have come to Derek and Me in the years since, but the heartache is there everyday. Some days, like March 10th and Memorial Day, are a little harder than the rest.
btw, looking at that picture, I'm thinking he would say "how was my hair that long on top?!" It drove him crazy if it got to more than a 1/2 inch.
Posted by: sue | May 28, 2012 at 03:11 PM
Thanks for opening the dam for me. I needed a good cry. I tried reading it to Bill, and had to stop at least 3 times trying to pull it together. What a blessed testimony of faith for us all.
Posted by: Barb | May 28, 2012 at 03:27 PM
Wow Torm, that was beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing. Much love to you and your family.
Posted by: carol in seattle :) | May 28, 2012 at 10:49 PM
Thanks for posting Sharyn! Tom is still greatly missed and thought of daily.
Posted by: Sherry | May 29, 2012 at 09:11 AM
What a beautiful post, Sharyn. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Mindijo | May 29, 2012 at 12:26 PM