UPDATE: On Wednesday night’s radio program, we talked about Capt. Christopher Kenny. Listen to it here.
My friend Marylou, whose brother Capt. Herbert C. Crosby went MIA in Vietnam in 1970, would call this a “divine appointment”. I dunno. What do you think?
During an afternoon walk on the beach, I met some folks who had also headed out for some fresh air and sunshine on this lovely winter day. They were a married couple, accompanied by an out of town friend.
We began chatting about inconsequential things, small talk, mostly. Not long into it, the conversation turned to matters a bit weightier… the real estate market, the damage the anti-American in the White House is doing to our economy and freedoms; the insidious and destructive infiltration of the progressive left’s ideology into every one of our institutions; our deep concern at the direction these socialist/communist/Marxist power hungry America haters in Congress are taking our beloved nation; the dismantling of our capitalist system.
And that Florida’s governor Charlie Crist has thrown in with them and come November, his political career is over. We observed that so much is riding on the upcoming Massachusetts senate race — will it go to the conservative republican Scott Brown, giving us a hopeful indication that the winds of change have shifted rightward?
When I mentioned that I write and host a talk radio program, she told me her friend was publishing a book, “After the Flag is Folded”, I think she said it was called. It’s about families who have lost loved ones in the war.
She said she was involved in the book, telling the story of their son who was killed in Iraq in 2004. “Your son? In Iraq? I’m so sorry,” I said. I looked at them intently, seeing their sadness. As we stood there, the sun burned warmly, but offered little comfort. How could I thank them without sounding cliched?
He held out his hand and showed me the bracelet that encircled his wrist, an aluminum ring etched with their son’s handsome face, his name, and the dates of his short life and sudden death. Suddenly the sunny day was suffused with sadness. I studied the bracelet, and managed a quiet ‘thank you’, realizing how futile it seemed to say how deeply I appreciated the enormous sacrifice their son made and they will continue to make everyday for the rest of their lives. When I looked up, his eyes were brimming with tears. Oh, the heartache…
The son that lives on in their hearts and memory is Capt. Christopher Kenny, a 32-year old soldier who died in nearly six years ago in a freak accident in Balad, Iraq when his military vehicle left the road and flipped over in a canal. He was assigned to the 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Vilseck, Germany. He died on May 3, 2004. Kenny was posthumously promoted to Captain, a leader of men.
The Kenny’s and I lingered for a few moments more, and then it was time for us to move on. I thought about our encounter during my walk on the beach, and knew I wanted to tell you about this “divine appointment” when I returned to my computer.
From Legacy.com:
The soldier followed his father into the military. “It was always in his blood,” said Jim Kenny, a retired Air Force master sergeant who completed four tours of duty in Vietnam.
The 1993 Citadel graduate met Mitzy Lantz while working as a bartender. He joined the Army shortly after their wedding in 2000. The couple had no children but were “really looking forward to starting a family” …
For those who are reading this and may have lost a loved one to the fight for freedom, please know that we end each radio show asking our listeners to say a prayer for those who serve, and for their loved ones who await their safe return. We ask God’s blessings on you and the Kenny family, who’ve given their best in service to our country. They’ve paid the ultimate measure for our freedoms.
What are you giving? Do you have their backs? A divine appointment to remind us that the fight isn’t left just to those in uniform?
2010, folks. 2010.
Gold Star Family Support Group
***
“At the rising of the sun and at its going down,
We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter,
We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring,
We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer,
We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn,
We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends,
We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
We remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make,
We remember them
When we have achievements that are based on theirs,
We remember them.
As long as we live, they too shall live,
for they are a part of us, as we remember them.”
Nadja Sprayberry, Widow of SSG Marvin R. Sprayberry III. of Milton, FL
Divine Appointment, indeed. Some times people, circumstances, incidents come to us when most unexpected. I believe these Divine Appointments are sent to us for a deeper need within. Whatever that need is at the time, whether we know the need, or we don’t know it at all, they are sent to connect, remind, refocus and/or redirect us as the need be. Our hearts are touched and humbled, and we think “wow, what just happened?” Divine Appointment(s)…God’s unexpected grace when we need it. Embrace them when they happen, and you’ll know it when they do happen.
Never forget our defenders of freedom. Can’t wait to read the book. Flamingo91
Imagine, how your story and your encounter and the loss of there son can travel so far. I am in Canada and linked to your encounter through the Lucianne blog.
I am following the conservative movement in the States, praying for Scott Browns victory. The left is destroying your country. Canada is a PC infested
swamp nice place to live but the mosques are multiplying. They are pushing for sharia law . Yet an Irish computer Technologist cannot get his papers to come to Canada, it’s taking 4 years for a fine young man to try and live here. That’s what liberalism does read Shakedown by Ezra Levant to get a distinct picture of Canada today.
So I watch and read daily. I don’t know these people but please let them know that there are people who will never know them who can also remember
there beautiful son.
maryann crabtree