God and du help me, I have to go to my first Iraq soldier funeral

[il_lilac]

The marine that was killed yesterday was the grandson of some friends. I honestly don't know if I can do this.

[applegrove]

1. So sorry. Go. Every person there counts. If it lifts the family a little

bit - that is what matters.

[bigwillq]

2. How awful.

You'll find the strength. Just think about that family. They need all the strength they can get. :hug:

[Botany]

3. You can do it

And you will know what to do and say.

That marine was a :patriot:
Show him, his family, and friends, some love.

[reformedreformer]

4. I am sorry to hear that.....

If I may make a suggestion, do not at all talk politics or the war with any of the family members for that day. Even if they bring it up, I would suggest walking away.

That way you can influence them more later on after their grief if they "were " supporters of the Bush regime. Kind of like back door politics.

[Straight Shooter]

5. Go. Then come back and share with us your story, and your tears.

:hug:

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

6. I'm so sorry. I hope that we can quell the numbers somehow.

[ornotna]

7. Yes you can.

Your friends need you.











Peace.

[w8liftinglady]

8. let them know what a gift he was

and just be there.there are times when words are trumped by deeds.just hug them and cry.Come back here if you need to talk-many kind,loving people on this board.:grouphug:

[il_lilac]

9. thanks everyone

yeah, I need to feel less angry when I go. I keep breaking down today and I barely knew him, but his grandparents were Bush supporters whom I debated with and I know his sister. It's just sooo wrong.

[niyad]

10. yes, you can. you have the strength of the DU community with you, so

even if you don't feel strong-- we are here with you. our prayers and love go with you, to this family and all the others.

HOW MANY MORE, GEORGE? HOW MANY MORE?

[neuvocat]

11. Its a lot to ask of you but try your best to go.

Stay as long as you can to pay your respects then go quietly soon afterwards.

[reformedreformer]

12. I say stay and mingle with them

but stay quiet. Now is not the time to change ideas but perceptions. If the marines grandparents see her staying to comfort them, she will be better received later on to change hearts and minds.

[mikelewis]

13. Take the family my condolences when you go..

[il_lilac]

15. actually, i'll be taking you all with me in spirit

I get my strength here

[il_lilac]

14. My anger is with *

I have nothing but sadness for the family. I can not begin to imagine their pain :cry:

[Mnemosyne]

16. Just being there is

all they need from you. You will find the strength to share.:hug:

May they find some small comfort from the pain of their sorrow. How hard to bury a young person especially.

It seems almost any funeral I have ever gone to has included tears and laughter. It's impossible to remember someone's life without both aspects.

Hold tight.


In peace and hope,
V

[leanin_green]

17. You can. Just remember it's not about your politics but . . .

those grandparents and relatives. Honor that Marine, too.