She reaches for my hand and draws me into an empty bedroom, for one more decision, one more response to an event, one more mother to mother interaction. We have wept and held each other. We have set out the meals for our families, we have cleaned up the kitchen, prepared beds, taken walks, sat around the table with the causualty officer, looked at wedding albums together. We have ached together for our children, one who is no longer present with us and one who wishes, for now, that she was with him.

After dinner last night while we were cleaning up, the buzzer rang for the gate. Out of the dark emerged four large military people. Why were they here without notification? They always call first. Colonel Krings escorts the parents and Elizabeth into the kitchen for a word with us. The one thing that Phil and Elizabeth really wanted to be done will not happen and they have come to tell us in person. We try to understand, but it is hard. When entering the army one gives up some priviledges and it is hard. The chaplain from Germany explained what will happen during the ramp ceremony. This will be very difficult and we understand. Can we live through one more event?

The Dad's decided we have to pray and ask for strength for tomorrow. We gather in the living room. Rob reads from I John and Rick reads from Romans. Phil shares some of Christian's life and struggles and victories. We pray and pray and ask the Lord that somehow, someway we could be a light to many today. Dear Lord, help us to share your love and our salvation with others. May your light shine through us today.