I could never accurately describe the grief that has come over the surrounding neighborhoods in which I live. Last week, I along with many others, lost an extremely close friend who was serving our country in Afghanistan. I still find it difficult to talk about what happened, so here is the story that came out about him in our paper. http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2010/07/08/news/srv0000008784631.txt
We thought of you with love today
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday
And days before that too.
We think of you in silence
We often speak your name.
Now all we have are memories
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake
With which we'll never part
God has you in His keeping
We have you in our Heart.
Lou was the fiance of one of my closest friends, Ashley, and it truly breaks my heart that she is going through this. He brought out something so special in her, and seeing them together gave me hope that there is true love in this world. My heart goes out to her, Lou's family, and to anyone who knew him who has been deeply saddened by his passing.
My fondest memories with Lou are those where I could spend time with him and Ashley as well as two of his closest friends Ed Vard and Tziwei. I remember watching Lou doing his repetitive pop and lock dance moves in the bar and I told him he would meet his match in a dance off when he came home again. He'd make fun of me all the time but he would always end up feeling bad a few seconds after, come over and hug me and say "I'm just kidding, Emily. You know I love you." And I did know that. Anyone who knew Lou could see that underneath his tough exterior, he was a compassionate and incredibly loving person. Or as Ashley and I would say "a big teddy bear and totally mushy." When I look through pictures of him, I come across a few where his smile is so big and sincere that I can hear his laugh. I loved his laugh. According to him I made ridiculous faces which made him crack up.
Lou was an amazing son, brother, fiance, godfather, and friend to all who knew him. But to be able to add a true hero to our nation, that is something that will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace, my friend. You left your mark on my heart, those who were fortunate enough to know you, those who have read of your honor, and the entire country that you served so bravely for.
So for anyone who has shared memories with Lou, feel free to comment on here.
We thought of you with love today
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday
And days before that too.
We think of you in silence
We often speak your name.
Now all we have are memories
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake
With which we'll never part
God has you in His keeping
We have you in our Heart.
♥
