| In Loving Memory of my Son Army Specialist Braden J Long August 7, 1987-August 4,2007 Baghdad Iraq |
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| Last time I saw Braden Jan 2007 |
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| Don't weep at my grave,
For I am not there, I've a date with a butterfly To dance in the air. I'll be singing in the sunshine, Wild and free, Playing tag with the wind, While I'm waiting for thee. |
| All I feel is emptiness in body mind and soul, Nothing possibly could change, repair me,make me whole. They say this pain will lessen that in time I will find peace, that these mighty waves of anguish will someday lighten,cease. But now their words don't soothe me my mind is screaming so. I can't see reason,meaning. My bleeding heart cries, "no!" My life just seems a burden filled with tradegy and loss and I cannot make the effort or pay the price it costs They say the pain will lessen, they talk to me of peace. But this darkness is so heavy, my only hope release. Will this emptiness devour me? existence feels so bleak. To give my life new meaning, I know not what to seek |
| Our joyful life, in memories past. The future dead, horror cast. Yesterday held us, secure and sane. Today,our tommorrows, lost in pain. No bright beginnings, No dreams to come true. Just get through today, just get through,get through |
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| Portrait by Phil Taylor (texasfallensoldiers.com) |
| Bootcamp Oct 2005 |
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