I'm usually quick to ask for prayer, but I'm dragging myself in here today because this is so fresh it's hard to write about.

While at the dentist yesterday morning, with nitrous oxide swimming in my nose and ear phones drumming my head, I thought I heard that a friend's son was killed in Iraq.

It was the longest hour and a half in the dentist chair I've EVER experienced.

As soon as my head cleared I phoned another friend to learn that indeed it was our friend's son who had been killed.

I just spent Saturday with her at the writer's conference. She organized the whole day which was an amazing gift for writers.

I exercise next to her at Curves and have heard all the highlights about her son. I recall her talking about getting to see his departure, the phone calls, the virtual shower she planned for his Captain's wife who is here in the states, the fact that he hadn't seen his brother's new baby, etc.

My mother's heart is torn and shredded. I can't imagine what she's feeling.

PLEASE pray for this family and all the other families who are losing loved ones in this war.

One of the reasons I didn't want to post was Kathryn and Sherri would read it.

I'm so sorry, but this is life during war time and it hurts.

I visited my brave friend at her home this afternoon where she is seeing family and friends for three afternoons. He will be buried later at Arlington Cemetery.

Words can't express the emotions flying around her home. I can't seem to get any more words out right now.

Please pray...

[ November 17, 2004, 04:36 PM: Message edited by: Dotsie ]

you have them Dotsie. For sure.

So sad. JJ

Prayers are with her. A young marine from my hometown was killed also. Sad days, for sure.

Do you think this is the same young man?

Lance Cpl. Bradley L. Parker, 19, of Plum Run in Marion County, WV, died Monday. He was a year ahead of my niece at North Marion High School.

Oh my goodness this hits so hard. War is so awful. The loss of brave young men such a tragedy. This mother's pain must be unbearable. We must surround her with prayer and our boomer mothers also.
smile

I'm at a loss for words. Not to get political but I HATE this war.
Dotsie my prayers are being sent their way and to all the families who have lost their children.
Robin

Dotsie,
The family is in our prayers. Its so hard to see all of this. The National Guard here in Oregon have lost way too many.
Praying for you and your friend.
Maggie

My prayers are definately with you. I have a neice and her fiance in Iraq and I am frightened everyday that my sister will hear some bad news. So I am praying constantly that the powers that be find a way to put an end to this insanity.
I will be praying.

Chris Weigand (angel)

I pray for all our troups to return home safely. I pray for your friend and all others who have endured the heartache of losing a loved one in this war.

Thank you!