Friday, July 22, 2005

E-MOTIONS?

Today has been a difficult day.  This morning I learned of the death of journaling friend's son who was serving in Iraq.  This woman  came to me and offered a comforting shoulder when my son enlisted in the Army.  This is the woman who voiced her own fears as her son was placed in harms way time and time again.  From time to time I left sincere words of encouragement.  'Everything will be fine' I said.  But I was wrong.  Everything is not fine.  Tonight, as I sit here infront of my computer, typing and retyping these inadequate words, she grieves with her family as their world is torn apart by a gaping wound that will scar their hearts forever.

How many times have I read on my monitor, shallow words composed by shallow minded people... 'The internet is not real'.  If that is true, then why do I feel so much pain right now for someone I know only as debbi4873?  For some it is easier to accept the idea that behind every screenname is a make-believe person, a personality completely fabricated as the name itself.  The reality is that there are real people behind those names, real people with real feelings, and real lives.  People who share our joy, enjoy our humor, and comfort our pain.  People who feel pain themselves.  People who are just as vulnerable to life, and death, as we all are.

This has been my second online tragedy.  It should be easier to deal with than a face-to-face tragedy.  It is not.  In some way it is harder.  I cannot reach out and physically grieve with others.  I cry over my keyboard and my family stares in helpless confusion.  They don't know how to comfort me, they do not understand my loss.  They cannot comprehend how I can hurt for someone I have never met and never even spoken to.

To Debbi, my heart is with you in your grief.  My friendship is with you always.  I pray for you and your family to find strength, and healing.  For Debbi's son Travis, I pray that he has found peace in his new Home.  And while I regret the sacrifice he has made, I thank him for it.  I pray for the safety of all the other service members who are still in harms way, and for those, including my son, who will soon join their fellow warriors on the battlefield.  I pray for the world that may one day know peace throughout the lands so that no more families have to shed a tear over a son or daughter lost in a time of war. I do not pray as often as I should, but tonight I pray all these things.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Truer words never spoken!!  I couldn't have said it better Dorn!!!!

Anonymous said...

And the Lord will hear our prayers.
Peace and love,
Charley
http://journals.aol.com/CDittric77/Courage

Anonymous said...

I will pray for Debbie and her family and for all the men and woman over there and also for you and your son.
Hugs, R.C.

Anonymous said...

I will stop by and offer my condolences.  I am so sorry, but glad she has a friend like you.

Love & A hug,
andi

Anonymous said...

Here it is, Sweetie.  Not much, but I wanted you to know I care.

http://journals.aol.com/artloner/SheSaidWhat/entries/392

xoxoxoxo,
andi

Anonymous said...

(((((((((Dorn))))))))))) This entry went straight to my heart.......words are never enough.

Anonymous said...

Hi.  I came across you journal through the Journal Jar and I'm so glad I did!  My prayers are with you and your family and Debbi and hers!  I personally do not have anyone over in Iraq except for all of our brothers and sisters of America and we should all say a little prayer for them and their families everyday!  Shelly

Anonymous said...

Your post has really touched my heart.  I am so gad we have caring people out there like you! My condolences. The men and women who serve our country are always in my prayers. I have family over there too. I wish them all a safe journey home, and pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones abroad.
Lisa

Anonymous said...

I know that nothing I can say could ever be enough to ease the hurt that you are feeling. I offermy condolences. I'm so sorry..your friend will be in my prayers, as are the brave men and women fighting for the freedom that so many of us take for granted. Nichole

Anonymous said...

Thoughts and prayers!
Tess

Anonymous said...

Oh what a sad day...I feel so awful for Debbi, she's been through the wringer and now this, an awful blow....I quess we can only try and be strong for her and lend a shoulder as you suggested.....Sandi

Anonymous said...

oh,no! i join you & Debi in your tears
marti

Anonymous said...

Your words really touched my heart.  Sometimes there are few words that can fill that now empty spot in our hearts when a lovedone is no longer with us.  It is so deep and goes far beyond any words.  All I can do is pray...... and sometimes that doesn't seem to be enough.  May the Lord be with you all.....   ~Rhonda

Anonymous said...

It's almost like you know what I am thinking. I have been trying to scrape up just the "right" words to say to Debbie but there are none. My heart just broke into a million pieces when I heard the news and I like you broke down and my family cannot understand how I grieve for someone I haven't met but I have met them, more than likely I have met the "inner" them, which is better than the outer so I know them like I know me and I feel true pain with them in theirs. Thank you for writing that, it was beautiful and I think it captured quite a few of our feelings perfectly.  Love ya, Brandy

Anonymous said...

She has been through so much, and now to lose her son....I cannot believe it. My heart is breaking for her.

Anonymous said...

That was beautiful Dorn, and so are you!

(((hugs)))