Tuesday, April 27, 2010

What is wrong with the people in this country?

I have been trying to write this post for a few days and I really don't know where to start....I like to write about happy things, but something bad happened last week, April 19th, yes, Patriots Day. We were home that morning, just outside, it was a beautiful warm, sunny day. The phone had rung and we did not hear it. When I came in there was a message from our son, he said Mom, Dad, I just want you to know I am OK...something really bad happened here today, I am not at liberty to say right now, but no matter what you hear I am OK. They will be shutting down communication so you may not hear back from me for a few days....don't worry I am OK. I knew by his voice it was bad, but had no idea what happened. Please call Grampa and Kaylee, let them know I am fine....I can't make anymore calls, I love you guys! My son is in Kabul, Afghanistan at Camp Phoenix with the 1st Battalion 101st Field Artillery Regiment, based out of Fall River MA.

I am so thankful my son called.....we received a call later that afternoon from his unit telling us there had been enemy conflict, eight soldiers were wounded and one KIA......I gulp KIA??? Killed in Action? Yes ma'am. Your son was one of the wounded, but is back to work. Wounded, how? I am sorry ma'am I do not have that information. We will have a meeting tomorrow night at the Amory and should have more details at that time......oh my God, please keep my son safe. My mind races, what Mother, wife, child, father lost their son....please God give them comfort. What happened? The reality really hits home, too close to home. Scared, sick, thankful, scared, scared,the emotions are so great.

The meeting....ahhhhh we learn that some Afgani, stole a uniform and strapped several bombs on himself and came walking up to the soldiers who are there to train them....a suicide bomber. How? Why? Who can do this? A soldier died, a father, a son...21 yrs old a mere babe. My son kept saying he was such a good man, a kind man, a friend. This part of the tribute my son posted on his face book page:

19APR2010 A daughter lost her father, a veteran lost his son, a mother lost her son, our squad lost a friend, and the 1st-101st lost a hero!! You are loved and missed by us all. And we know that bright light that your soul brought to us will help guide us through the dark. 19APR2010 GOD CALLED HOME AN ANGEL!!!WE WILL NEVER FORGET. R.I.P. SGT ROBERT BARRETT.

I have cried my eyes out and only wish I could give my son more comfort or the man's family some peace.
Now this is why I am writing this.....on Sunday the Nat'l Guard was doing a blood drive and they were standing at every corner in town to raise money for wounded soldiers. My husband and I stop and made a donation...they came right up to the car, no time or effort involved for us. We took a minute to Thank the men for their service and tell them we were proud. Now do you know how many cars whisked by, no stop, no ask, look away...pretend you don't see soldiers on the corners. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE????? Men are risking and giving their lives every day so that we can live in freedom! What is wrong? How can they just ignore what is going on. I am sensitive right now I cry at the drop of a hat.
Six Hundred soldiers left New England in January. DO you know how many families are suffering, missing loved ones, praying for their safety? All so you can whisk by on a Sunday morning, maybe go to church or breakfast, with out a care in the world.
I know the warm kind thoughtful people out there in Blog land, but what is wrong that people can be so thoughtless, so untouched? We live in a great country with freedom. I think more people need to stop and appreciate what we have here. They need to appreciate the proud strong men and women who defend their FREEDOM!!!


6 comments:

Carmen S. said...

Sending BIG ((HUGS)) to you and praying for your son and all of our brave military! My son is leaving for Army basic training in 2 months, to say I am scared to death is a bit of an understatement:( Yes, you wonder how folks can turn away, it's a very sad time we're living in!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh my heart aches for the young man that was killed and all his family. Such a tragic loss. I am so thankful your son is ok. I so agree, what is wrong with some people. Why can't they help? Great post. I will keep your son and your family in prayer. Hugs, Marty

carolyn@simple~primitive~devotion said...

Donna, I am so thankful that your son is okay. And I have said prayers for the family who lost their's.
Yes, so many people do not even think about why we have a free country. Looking the other way is easy. Freedom isn't free.
The army base near here lost two soldiers this past week. So sad! They were just boys! Let me re-phrase that....they were MEN! No matter the age, it takes a man to fight for the freedom of his country.
All we can do is show our support as best we can and PRAY everyday for as many to return home as possible.
Sending you a big hug!

The Rustic Victorian said...

I am so grateful you wrote about this. My heart breaks for our brave soldiers and their families. I pray we will find peace, and I pray for your son's safe return. We have paid a terrible price for freedom, to have it taken away by the socialists now leading us, who do not care for the individual. They all need a day in the field and to feel your pain and theirs. I live next to an army instalation, and each day I hear them marching,,,I hear the trumpet,,, I am reminded, I am so proud of our soldiers and vetrans...I thank them all.
Have no doubt, God is watching.
Love
Marcie

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

OMGoodness! I am so sorry I missed this post. I am so glad your son is OK! I wish more people treated our military and soldiers witgh more respect. I saw this on FB today:A soldier is someone, who at one point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life. That is an honor, and there are way too many people in this country today who no longer understand that fact.

I couldn't have said it better myself!

I am answering your email next!!

Americana Lady said...

Donna, thank you for a few things.

*A heartfelt post
*Raising a wonderful son
*Your sacrifice for America

God bless your son and I pray he remains safe.
We all owe the men and women who protect us much gratitude. Please keep reminding us. Unfortunately Americans need to appreciate their country more as well as the men and women who serve. Joan