Geoff and I have just got back from a short holiday in Spain, when my mother, Ruth, phoned us to tell us some sad news.
The photo is of my nephew Sean, who was one of four soldiers killed on 17th June 2008 during an operation in Afhanistan.
He is 28 years old.
He was over there for 6 months and was to return on Sunday 22nd June 2008.
The other three who also lost their lives are:
Corporal Sarah Bryant
Lane corporal Richard Larkin
Corporal Paul Stout
He leaves behind:
His father Robert and his mother Roseleen his brother Neil and his sister Heidi.
My brother, bob, lives in Brighton and my sister yvonne has gone down there with her daughter Dawn and her son Darren.
We will be going down next week.
No words can describe our grief.
7 comments:
My Dearest Annette, I have been wondering where you have been and rightly assumed you were on holiday. However, I did not expect to read the devastating news you have just posted on your blog. Words fail me. I am so,so sorry for you and all members of your family. I send my most sincere condolences to all of you. By a strange coincidence last night, Thursday evening, I wrote a special prayer in the prayer book in my local church asking for all our servicemen and women to be remembered, especially those serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. I was aware that four more had fallen in the line of duty. Little did I know that the following day I would read that one of those fallen heroes was the nephew of a dear internet friend of mine. I can well imagine the grief you are all going through at this time. Living, as I do, in a garrison city (Plymouth) where we have lost several servicemen in these conflicts I can share your sorrow in every sense of the word. We are constantly told that their deaths will never be forgotten and that their ultimate sacrifice will eventually contribute to a safer tomorrow for all of us. I sincerely hope that is the truth. Anything less could not possibly justify the loss of our wonderful servicemen and women.
For several months the ladies at my church have been sending parcels of "goodies" to our troops on the front line and they are committed to doing so for as long as our boys and girls are out there.
I will be remembering Sean and his colleagues in my prayers and I will add an additional special prayer tomorrow (Saturday) in our prayer tent at our Annual Summer Fair event on the village green.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning we WILL remember them!
Virtual huggles. Back in November the reality of the brave and honourable service our young military personnel do came face front to our family too. It's even closer for you and you are quite right, there are no words, but there is always The Word and I offer you this.....
Rev 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Rev 21:5
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Rev 21:6
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Rev 21:7
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Rev 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
So sorry, Annie. It always seems to me that we only lose those who we can least afford to lose - the good 'uns. He was obviously someone to be very proud of. I just know, that he is now at peace, even if we find it hard to believe right now. Take heart, old friend.
I am so sorry to hear your news Annette, regarding Sean; the kind of news you never want to hear that it was someone you knew and loved. My sympathy to the family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sage
I was very sorry to hear of your loss, Annette. Words cannot help you much at this time, but do remember that the soldiers who die in service are always in our hearts.
This is unfortunately becoming a common theme in many families all over the country. My brother-in-law is off to Afghanistan shortly and my wife is very worried for him and especially his son who lost his step-father just over six months ago (Noddy has mentioned this).
You and your family will be in our thoughts over the coming weeks as you deal with this tragic death.
Alastair.
We will never forget.
oh,Annette-I ddnt realise-I've not been round for a bit.x
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