Twelve years on this date you went home to be with Jesus. In the Bible, twelve can represent completeness.
Even though your spirit left a broken and battered body on an Iraqi desert floor, you were ushered into an eternity of completeness.
I remember you sitting at my breakfast table, preparing to go on your first deployment to Iraq. As a retired Army Master Sergeant, I knew that your being an infantryman meant facing death every day. As your father, I confess at times that possibility struck dread in my heart.
I remember asking you, “Are you sure about this son?” You looked at me, like, “Not you too Dad.” He knew that I knew what it meant to be a soldier and finally getting the chance to do for what you train.
I’ll never forget your answer: “Dad, I joined to kill terrorists. They attacked us. This is my generation’s fight.”
“This is my generation’s fight…”
I still get a plethora of emotions when I recall your words. I now realize that was the first time I knew without any doubt that you had become a man. You knew your purpose in life. God had made you a warrior. You would prove yourself true to that calling over two combat tours.
Twelve in the Bible is a perfect number and it symbolizes God’s power and authority. We often talked about our personal relationships with Christ. I shared in my book Man Up! What the Bible Says About Being A Man how you struggled with your Christian walk while facing death each day.
After 12 years of reliving our conversations and rereading your many words of correspondence between us that you reached a level of spiritual completeness most Christian men will never achieve.
You were my best male friend for the last 2 years of your life. You used to bless me when you would call and say, “Dad, I need some godly advice.”
I weep every time I write and speak of that. They are tears of joy and longing. Joy because I know every Christian dad dreams of their son speaking those words to him. Longing, because I miss our fellowship.
I miss you.
I haven’t lost you.
I know where you are.
I’ll be there when my time comes.
We’ll have a lot of catching up to do.
Very well stated Dave and I embrace your openness to share your heart. I can only imagine what it feels like to have lost a child especially a son so young that had become your best friend. Praying for you!
Your words here touched the debts of my soul David! You have endured more than I can imagine in losing a child! Evident your strength comes from God I pray he gives you that strength & comfort every waking day here on earth Till you meet again! You are such an example to so many that there is comfort & peace with God far & beyond our own.
He is never forgotten and such a warrior! You raised a great man. I re-read his words often.
Thank you for this perfect tribute. 12 years…..wow. A long time but sometimes feels longer. Until you meet again xoxo
What a beautiful tribute David. Thank you for sharing this with us. Eddie lives on in all of us that were fortunate enough to know him. May he Rest In Peace and may God continue to bless and protect those Soldiers that continue to fight for our safety each and every day.
This really touched me bro Dave! Knowing the loss of your son you have set a wonderful example to those of us who know you personally. The evidence n strength your walk with God has given you, in & through this time of loss is such a strong witness to our God on high n His faithfulness to us His children!!! God bless you n Karen. I only hope my light for Jesus shines like both of you in my loss n grief of my children!!! Love n miss you both!!! J
No words necessary, simply Praise be to our Lord. Brother my you rest in the embrace of Our Lord until it is time for you to meet your son again. God bless you,
Andrew
Because of our God’s grace and our LORD Jesus’ gift, we are assured of seeing our loved ones in Christ once again, and forever. Amen.
Hi Dave,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and emotions so openly. Your transparency is a blessing and I know that our Lord Jesus comforts you minute-by-minute that Eddie is home.
I too long for the day when we’ll be united in Heaven with Jesus and our departed loved ones.
Having never physically met your son, I’m excited to meet this amazing man of God who has positively impacted my life and the lives of so many.
God Speed and Peace to you Brother Warrior