...and the soldier cries.

God wrote me a letter today. I know it seems crazy, but in the wake of a friend's death some things have come to light that I believe are very important to share.


Dear Kiddo,


I know you are sad about Kara. But I have her, and one day you will see her too. But, this is not the reason you cry, well not the only one. You miss her and regret that you did not stay in touch but her death has been a blessing in another way.

Your life is changing, and fast little one. And while these are happy times, it is ok to be sad. So many times you have fought back tears that you did not understand. "Where are these tears coming from ?",you would ask yourself, but you forgot to ask Me.

College was more than school, Kentucky, more than a place to live, and home was more than just an address.

This has been your home since the age of 12, and while your life has never really been predictable, this was the closet to a home that you have had.

Marrige is a blessing. I know. I created it. Graduating college is a milstone in any ones life. I know. I was the one who challenged and you successed. You have truely grown up in Kentucky. You were saved by grace here. You have mentors here. Children here have inspired you to fight for them. But here is not where you are staying. I know it hurts to leave some where, and to not reconginze it for what it means to you until it is gone, like Kara, or until it is almost gone, like Kentucky, it is sad. And its ok. I not only created you to feel happy, but to also feel sad. And there are going to be times, like this one, where you feel both. And its ok.

Katie, I have called you to a life of many challeges. Ups and downs. Love and loss. But even though life does not stay stable, I am. You are strong. But the main thing that makes strong people is not if they can stand alone in the storm, but if they know that they can't.

Many blessing are coming child. But one of the biggest blessing that I have ever given the human race, is the ablity to cry. So cry child. It will be ok. I know. Because I Am.

Love
Daddy.