Another Fallen Hero

Military wives know far too well the eerie silence of a quiet phone and an empty email box.  Maybe your not a military wife.  Maybe you don't know the quiet relief you feel each time you hear your husband's voice on the other end of the phone.  Most people don't think "oh good, he's still alive" each time they hear from their loved one.  Military families do.  We check to see if they've read their emails, see if they've read our text messages just to know if they are okay.  While this may seem like we sit in a puddle of worry everyday, we don't.  It is just woven into the fabric of our lives to wonder if he's okay today.

Saturday was one of those days.  You know somethings wrong, you just don't know what.  You aren't sure when the bad news will come or how close to home it will hit.  You try to keep yourself busy, but the waiting is tough.  You cringe at the sound of car doors and your heart stops if the doorbell rings...even if its just the Fedex man. With each passing hour...no news is good news for you, but your heart sinks knowing it probably means bad news for someone else.  Maybe your neighbor, maybe your best friend.  For me, the relief has always come, but unfortunately Saturday it did not come for a friend.

On Saturday our nation lost another great hero.  CW2 Terry Varnadore was killed when his helicopter went down in Afghanistan.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife (who is 6 months pregnant), 4 year old daughter, and the rest of his family.  While this news should shake us and move us over the terrible loss for this family, I pray it not the first time you are aware of sacrifices made.  Over 140 soldiers have sacrificed their lives for our country just this year in Afghanistan alone.  They each deserved to be remembered for their sacrifice and service.  

While I did not know he and Casey well, the hurt is deeply felt across the Army family anytime such a loss is suffered.  We shared two years of flight school memories together and Chad always spoke highly of Terry and his capabilities as a pilot.  Casey and I were one of four flight school students' wives having babies back to back that year.  

I pray the Lord will comfort Casey and the Varnadore family with unending support and love.  As an American, I am thankful to men like Terry who served bravely and gave their all to protect and preserve our freedoms.  My friend, who recently lost her husband in Afghanistan as well, once asked if a Thank You is deserved if the sacrifice was unwillingly given...and I say absolutely.  Prayers, support and grateful hearts for service, though never enough to compensate for the enormity of loss, is all we know to give in this moment.