I was busy flipping channels after watching a documentary on PBS about Irina Sendler, and that's when I saw and heard the news about the death of Osama Bin Laden. And that's when I started crying.
At first I couldn't figure out why I was crying. Was it joy? Certainly it had to be. I never forgot what happened on September 11, 2011 - where I was when I heard the news of what happened back home where I was born.
But after several minutes and as the news settled in, my thoughts immediately went to Kenny - my cousin killed in Iraq in 2005. I make it a point to remember him each and every year, not just around Memorial Day but several times and in several ways including my writing Kenny's Choice - A Veteran's Day Tribute.
Finally I went to bed but the night was filled with restlessness, getting out of bed, watching the television and shedding more tears. And this morning has been no different, as I expect I'll have my "moments" during the day.
The first thing I did when I woke up was to get the flag out - the large 8 x 5 foot one - and hang it from the deck of the house. As I did, I thought about Kenny and what he would think of all this. I know in my heart he must be happy. And I know of the sacrifices he has made and the pain his family has been through. There are never enough ways that you can thank someone for such a sacrifice.
Thanks Kenny. We got him.
© 2011, copyright Thomas MacEntee
At first I couldn't figure out why I was crying. Was it joy? Certainly it had to be. I never forgot what happened on September 11, 2011 - where I was when I heard the news of what happened back home where I was born.
But after several minutes and as the news settled in, my thoughts immediately went to Kenny - my cousin killed in Iraq in 2005. I make it a point to remember him each and every year, not just around Memorial Day but several times and in several ways including my writing Kenny's Choice - A Veteran's Day Tribute.
Finally I went to bed but the night was filled with restlessness, getting out of bed, watching the television and shedding more tears. And this morning has been no different, as I expect I'll have my "moments" during the day.
The first thing I did when I woke up was to get the flag out - the large 8 x 5 foot one - and hang it from the deck of the house. As I did, I thought about Kenny and what he would think of all this. I know in my heart he must be happy. And I know of the sacrifices he has made and the pain his family has been through. There are never enough ways that you can thank someone for such a sacrifice.
Thanks Kenny. We got him.
© 2011, copyright Thomas MacEntee
