A Soldier’s Request

I am not sure who wrote this. This story relates to all wars even though it was written some time ago.

Dear Mom and Dad, the war is done, my task is through:  and Mom, there’s something I must ask of you. I have a friend, O such a friend, he has no home you see:  and so Mom, I’d really like to bring him home with me.

Dear Son, we don’t mind if someone comes home with you, I’m sure he could stay perhaps a week or two.

Dear Mom and Dad, there’s something you must know, no don’t be alarmed: My friend in battle was recently shot, and now he has no arm.

Dear Son, Don’t be afraid to bring him home with you; perhaps he could stay a day or two.

Dear Mom and Dad, but Mom he’s not just a friend, he’s like a brother too; That’s why I want him home with us  and like a son to you.

Before you give your answer, Mom, I really don’t want to beg; but my friend recently in battle was wounded, and also lost a leg.

Dear Son, It hurts me so much to say, the answer must be no; for Dad and I have no time for a boy who is crippled so.

So months went by and a letter came, it said their son had died; when they read the cause of death, the shock was suicide.

Days later the casket came, draped in the Army’s flag, they saw their son lying there, – without an arm………without a leg.

When you talk to a Veteran, or just someone on the street, don’t be too quick to be judgemental. If at all  possible,  know all the facts before you make a decision as to just what this person is. The person you are talking to may be a Combat Veteran, a Rape Victim, a Victim of Child Abuse or Molestation. Any traumatic event, can be devastating.