Melancholy day

[Piobair]

As we extricate ourselves from our 'forever wars', I'm thinking of the 7,057 American military personnel killed in GWOT, and thinking of the 801,000 Afghans and Iraqis killed, too.

I'm also thinking of the 30,177 American veterans have died by suicide.

Tomorrow I'm piping out an American soldier whose soul was killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, but whose body continued to live until he finally took his life last week. Thinking of all the similar funerals I've done in the past.

Thinking of his 12 year old son, who'll be there tomorrow.

Just a very melancholy day. At least the rain's let up.

[Nathalie99 Partner]

Wishing you strength and sending my support through this day, Piobair. It is so tragic and his son is only 12 years old...

I am very sorry that this horrible suffering took the soul and life of so many...

Thank you for being there even though it is very traumatic.

[samack]

Sending you support through the continuing pain of the withdrawal of troops. Existential thought of what does this all mean must be haunting those who served and their beloved ones. I got to know a bright young man who served twice in Afghanistan and once as a civilian firefighter in Iraq. He is serving a long prison term due to in large part PTSD related incident. I hope you all find comfort in that most civilians appreciated what you did for us, stepping up in very dark period of 9/11.

[SavingGrace Administrator]

I'm so sorry, Piobair. Your role sounds difficult, yet can be such an important part of the process of the circle of life and death. Whilst war is never a good answer, there is always hope in trying to make the world a better place. There is so much hope that American soldiers brought to others, in rebuilding their country. You have such a wonderful role of honour to pay to the soldier who chose freely to take that path.

God bless.

[Lindyloo53 Volunteer]

Hi piobair. I’m sorry you have to face another funeral for a serviceman. It’s good you can be there in a supportive role for his family but it does come at a personal cost to yourself.Sending you support as you journey with the family during the funeral.