We went to the park today. There was a group of kids there skate boarding and playing basketball. They came and sat with us for a little bit to take a break. We got to talking (which school they went to , who their teachers are and such). They were all in 5th and 6th grades. One of the 6th graders said he's going to Washington DC tomorrow. I figure since it's spring break he's going for vacation. So I asked him what he's going to see. He said his dad--he was in Iraq and got bombed. He said his dad had to have his foot amputated. I told dh about it when we got home and he said it sounded like the kid was taking it well. How well can an 11yo child take something like that? Maybe he hasn't fully comprehended it until he sees his dad. Or maybe he really is taking it well. I don't know how I'd handle something like that if I were the mom and it were my dh and my kids. Of course I'd be greatful he wasn't killed, but it's still going to be a life time change and will take some major adjusting. It's just so sad that there are kids out there that have to deal with this. I just needed to get this off my chest.

By Crystal915 on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 07:18 pm:

It is hard, but I'm sure he's just grateful his dad is alive. Most of the guys we know who have been KIA didn't have children, but they had young wives, or were just kids themselves. My heart goes out to this family, and every other family who has suffered during OEF and the OIF operations.

By Jtsmom on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 07:52 pm:

We have lost 3 from our unit, one was a kid himself, just got married a few months before being deployed. The other one didn't have any children, and the last one has a 8 yr old and a 2 yr old. I stay in constant contact with the last ones wife, and their 8 yr old has completely changed since his fathers death. He is withdrawn from his friends and family. Its really sad. ANd the poor baby will never know his father.