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May 30, 2005

BRICK

I had the chance to briefly instant message with Mrs. Sims today. She sent me the most wonderful Memorial Day photo of her son and his father's memorial brick at Texas A&M.

I think about Mrs. Sims all the time. She and I weren't even that close; we went to dinner a few times together, but that's about the extent of our friendship. I hesitate to write about how much she is constantly in my thoughts because I'm certain there are people on this post she was closer to. I don't want her to think that I've become some zany stalker who's deified her into everything that Memorial Day stands for...but I guess I have.

Mrs. Sims is absolutely everything that an Army wife should be: gracious, humble, and dedicated. She remains optimistic and proud in the face of the worst experience anyone could ever have. And she's always on my mind. She's the first person I think of when I feel down or grumpy. She was the first person my husband and I thought of when our cruise tablemates were being obtuse. And she was the first person I thought of when I woke up this Memorial Day.

You see, the Memorial Day post I wanted to write is how much the Sims family is always present in our household. It took that photo of their son to get the words to come out.

I'm sure Mrs. Sims feels weird about the pedestal I've put her on. She's just a regular person dealing with an extraordinary challenge. I hesitated to write the post I wanted to because I don't want to exacerbate her pain. But I want her to know how I really feel, that to me she's everything that Memorial Day represents: the day when we remember those who gave up everything for our country. And I am keenly aware, every day, that CPT Sims gave his life for the very freedom I enjoy. I want her to know that I will never forget that, as long as I live. I never knew her husband, but I will never forget him. Even if she and I drift apart, I will remember the Sims family on Memorial Day and every other day for the rest of my life.

I will remember.

Posted by: Sarah at 11:41 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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1 Dear Sarah, Beautifully said. I, too, think of the Sims family often, and I didn't know them at all. This is why it's important for you to write, Sarah. You are our voice; you convey the message to the Sims family and all the families who have lost loved ones, saying things to them that we feel, but never have the opportunity to say to them. May God bless all of our military families today and everyday, those serving and those at home. Yes, we will remember. Love, Your Mama

Posted by: Nancy at May 30, 2005 12:40 PM (UyF3I)

2 Sarah, I am not your mama, but I am certainly proud of you, and of your way of saying what so many of us feel. You may not know, but you were in my mind in much the same way all the while you waited for your husband. I remember WWII and my uncles and cousins were away in the war. I know what you went through, as much as anyone could imagine it. Thanks, you too, are a hero. Ruth

Posted by: Ruth H at May 30, 2005 05:09 PM (Fk2Vt)

3 Sarah, Whatever words are in your heart, you must speak them.people need to hear or read them. They want to know that there are people that are grateful for the sacrifices made by love ones that are no longer in this world.As a daughter of a retired Air Force services member and the mother of a 1AD Soldier stationed in Germany, I never go through a day without thinking of those that gave the ultimate gift, so that I might have a life of Freedom and Happiness, and always, always, their families are right in the middle of my thoughts. I can't really call them thoughts, they're prayers. Prayer's of thanksgiving. I want them all to know how grateful I am that they lived and breathed and they made a difference in my life, even if they didn't know me. I know them and I know what they gave up, and I will never forget, not ever....Thank You........

Posted by: Beth at May 30, 2005 07:38 PM (lZ8lX)

4 Very nice...especially since the finger is pointing to my buddy Clayton Williams!

Posted by: Wallace-Midland Texas at May 31, 2005 12:28 PM (e/Kh6)

5 Sarah, You have said it very well for all of us. We Aggies find the sacrifices of our soldiers particularly inspiring to us. But it takes mostly the former students to recognize the tremendous sacrifice Mrs. Sims has made. (Something about marriage and kids makes that happen). Mrs. Sims, you have our deep and undying affection, and our love for you and your family is strong. Sean symbolizes the "burning desire" to beat the hell out of tyranny and injustice in the world. And you are our inspiration for trying to do so. God bless you and Sarah for being who you are, and for giving us former students faith in the future of the country. Because we are always Aggies. Because we are always true to each other as Aggies can be. We're from Texas AMC. You have my undying respect. Subsunk Class of '80

Posted by: Subsunk at June 01, 2005 01:50 AM (dT4Ud)

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There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness. We must have felt what it is to die, Morrel, that we may appreciate the enjoyments of living.
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May 30, 2005

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