THANK YOU TO A GOLD STAR MOTHER (UPDATED 6-22-05 11:15AM)

(Significant update below, so I changed the time to move this post to the top for a while)

A few days ago, this comment was left on a post I did regarding the 18 Americans who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on April 6th, 2005.

Word can't put into words the loss of my son but I will always remember the passion with which he embraced life and lived it to the fullest. He was born to be what he became. One of our nations fallen Hero's. Loving and remembering you everyday. See Ya Later Son!

Your Loving Mother

Paula A Spivey
1848 Fargo Drive
Fayetteville, NC 28304

Michael Spivey was one of the 18. Matt of Blackfive said the following about him:

Spc. Michael K. Spivey, 21, was born in Oklahoma and enlisted shortly after graduating from high school. Working his way up to crew chief, Spivey served in Iraq and volunteered to be a door gunner. He flew more than 65 hours of combat time in Afghanistan. Awards include the Meritorious Unit Citation, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and a posthumous Bronze Star.

Wilhelm recalled Spivey as “a faithful volunteer who never seemed to tire.” Pfc. Amber Gardner said her friend “always knew the right thing to say at the right time.” She praised his intelligence, responsibility and high moral standards. His stint in Iraq “made him stronger as a person and a soldier.”

Other than "Bless you" and "Thank you", everything I can think of to say sounds too feeble to begin to express my gratitude for her son's sacrifice. Actually, those first things sound that way, too. Just slightly less so.

Paula, if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know.

If anyone else would like to say anything to Paula, please use the comments.

UPDATE 6-22-05 11:15AM:

Paula sent me this e-mail and gave me permission to post it:

Thanks for all you nice words. The war became much more personal to me also on that day. Everyone over there is someones son or daughter and I am passionate about that. But the cost of freedom comes at a very high price and always has. I thank every soldier over there for allowing me to be free everyday. I was a military spouse for over 21 years I personally know the strain, stresses it put on each soldier and the families. I pray for them daily.

Sincerely
Paula Spivey

ps No one knows what to say in times like this, but what is worse is not saying anything at all. It helps me to talk about it and share my thoughts. And maybe
in some way maybe help someone else and make a friend.