August 21: Quantico, VA
Today began on the Potomac River outside the Day’s Inn. Before the start, we were met by Chris Simpson’s mother, Kate. The posters she and her fiance brought with pictures of Chris were absolutely amazing. The memory card Kate brought with her reads,
“I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one,
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun.
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.”
Chris was 23 when he was killed.
We also ran through Fredericksburg, VA. A local runner, Stephanie, met up with Taylor, Nick, and I as we ran past George Washington’s childhood home.
Stephanie brought her two kids, and we (Steph, I, and her two children) ran one mile, dedicated to Travis Griffin, complete with stroller.
Tomorrow is our last day of this journey before Arlington. It has been truly wonderful out here and we are having trouble expressing the weight and power of our experience. Very simply, thank you.
Guys – it was truly an honor to see you do what you do. And, to run one mile for a fallen soldier – I cannot imagine the experience you’ve had doing this each and every day since June 14th. I applaud you for what you’ve done, but I know that’s not why your doing it. I am deeply sorry for the loss of your friend and for anyone who’s ever lost a love one in combat. Keep running guys! We will always remember this.
Steph
I am Stephanie Smith’s mother-in-law and am so happy she was able to meet with you guys. With a husband and son in Iraq, I am deeply indebted to your group for doing all of this. Sincerely, Susan Smith
we at fedex in savannah ga, ran/walked about 20 miles in honor of SPC ALEXANDER ROSA JR…
we at fedex in savannah ga, ran/walked about 20 miles in honor of SPC ALEXANDER ROSA JR…we love u buddy!
I come across this song from Dolly Parton and it could be any soldier’s loved one song:
“I’m Gonna Miss You”
——————————————————————–
I’m gonna miss you, I’m gonna miss you
You fought a good fight, may you rest in peace now
You’ve earned the right, you stood brave and tall
The ultimate price, we honor you now
For God and country, you gave it all
And although I’m proud of all that you stood for
My selfish heart just wants you home
Your family and friends are all so proud of you
But I can’t accept the fact that you’re gone
And I’m gonna miss you
When the golden sun sinks slowly o’er the crest of yonder hill
I’m gonna miss you
In the wee hours of the mornin’ when the world is calm and still
When I can see you, touch you, feel you, hear your heart beating true
Even though you’re gone, my love lives on
And I, I’m gonna miss you
I’m gonna miss you
I’m gonna miss you
Your touch, your smell, your kisses, and the comfort of your eyes
I’m gonna miss you
Your laughter, tears, your humor, and that crooked little smile
And I’m gonna miss the plans and dreams we had that never will come true
God wanted you, but I did too
And I, I’m gonna miss you
I’ll miss you
And I’ll see your face in every star
I’ll be lovin’ you wherever you are
I’ll miss you, god how I’ll miss you
While others go on with their lives
And I see you in our childrens’ eyes
I’ll miss you, oh how I’ll miss you
I’m gonna miss you, oh I will miss you
Oh how I’ll miss you
I’m gonna miss you, forever miss you
This track is from her “For God and Country” album.