A Father's Ode to His Lost Son

[whometense]

I defy anyone to read this and not cry. Not just for this father, but for every parent, brother, sister, or grandparent who has lost a loved one to war.
Via Eric Alterman http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14394864/#082506

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/25/AR2006082501192_pf.html

A Father's Ode to His Lost Son

Sunday, August 27, 2006; B01

David Grossman, a leading Israeli novelist and peace activist, lost his soldier-son, Uri, earlier this month. Uri was serving on the front lines in Lebanon and was killed two days before the U.N.-brokered cease-fire. He died two weeks before his 21st birthday. His father delivered these remarks at his funeral on Aug. 16.

My Dearest Uri,

For the last three days, almost every thought has had a "won't" in it. He won't come home, we won't talk, we won't laugh. That boy with the ironic gaze and the awesome sense of humor won't be anymore. That young man with the wisdom so much more profound than his age won't be anymore. That warm smile and that healthy appetite won't be anymore, that uncommon combination of determination and tenderness won't be anymore, his common sense and discernment won't be anymore. We won't have Uri's infinite gentleness, nor the calm that steadies every storm. We won't watch "The Simpsons" and "Seinfeld" together anymore, we won't listen to Johnny Cash with you, and we won't feel your strong, soothing embrace. We won't see you walking with your big brother, Yonatan, conversing with exuberant gestures, and we won't see you hug your little sister, Ruti, the love of your heart...

...

[babylonsister]

1. So touching, so sad. Thanks for posting this. nt