Death knows no strangers. He comes knocking at our door when we least expect it. Today’s post speaks of one story that shows we need to love our family and be strong ourselves.
Colonel Burroughs, who is a board member here at VFV, and his wife recently had to face this sadness. He has given me permission to share a poem his wife Bella read at her father’s memorial service. I believe this poem will hit home with many of you. Thank you Bella for being so open.
First a little background on why this poem had to be read.
On December 8th 2015 Bella’s father, who was a veteran, co
Loren Hazeldahl
mmitted suicide. He had been struggling with PTSD for many years. They just had a memorial anniversary celebration this last December 8th.
Your comments on this post will be greatly appreciated, and will be shown to the Burrough’s family.
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I’d Like to thank you all for coming today to remember Loren Hazeldahl
W.S. Gilbert wrote, “Its love that makes the world go round!” Well, if that’s true, I’m sure you’d all agree, the world spun a little faster with Dad in it.
I’d like to read a poem, which I felt was fitting for this difficult time
No-one knew the true torment, that you were going through; We only kept on seeing what we really wanted to.
We saw the outward smile, But not your inner pain; No-one ever truly thought That you would never sing again.
Forgive us if we failed to see, what we could do to aid; Or if we failed to comprehend, How much you were afraid.
We pray your mental anguish, Will now forever cease; And that your deep anxieties, be replaced with peace.
We know your pain invaded, every single thought you had; It made you cry internally, And so very deeply sad.
But we in turn remember, The good times, not the bad; We’ll remember when you sang for us, And not when you were sad.
So when we think about your life, We won’t dwell upon its close, We’ll remember all the good times, And forgive the path you chose.
We’ll remember all the happiness The joy and not the tears; your assurance and your confidence, And not your fears.
Our lives have all been better, Because you have been there; So now we leave your memory, In Gods loving Care.
I remember Dad telling me, “Baby, you sure can light up a room!” Well Dad, I’m here to tell you…. The world is now a lot less bright without you in it!
If he were with us today, He would ask us not to mourn his death, but to celebrate his life. He would tell us to love our true friends and families unconditionally and hold them very close, because in the end, they are all what truly matter.
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I know there may be many of you who are suffering with PTSD, or other crippling ailments. You have faced death of a loved one. Stay strong, and please get help if you are struggling.
There is always help for you 24/7 at: 1-800-273-8255
Remember:
You are never alone.
You are never forsaken.
You are never unloved.
And above all…never, ever, give up!