A new tree in Landstuhl

I will forever remember all the stories you and Gildita shared with me through those long days and nights. The eight year old boy who spent his entire allowance to purchase his mom diamond earrings or the man who chased his love up and down the Eastern Sea Board until he finally won her heart. I will always remember the wedding pictures with him standing proud with you, Gildita and Fulvio and the piece of heaven on his face when standing next to Gildita at the Washington Monument. You raised a loving, strong and courageous son.

Last week we planted the Remembrance Tree dedicated to all those soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The tree was planted in memory of five soldiers. Alex, Cory, William, Brandon and Shane. Although Cory and William passed shortly after leaving Landstuhl, they were Alex’s battle buddies. As my father eloquently says: “Never ask a soldier if yes or no would turn the tide. A soldier only worries about the soldiers by his side.” I thought it fitting that they all be remembered together. I also thought of Brandon Teeters family and the strength and bond both families shared under the worst of circumstances. The day Brandon’s dad took off the cross he had been wearing continually since his arrival here and gently placed it around your neck to comfort you will forever touch my heart. Brandon passed two days after Alex and Shane passed a couple of days after Brandon.

Over eighteen staff helped plant the Remembrance Tree. Many more wanted to help but planes were landing and busses arriving at the same time. On the day we put the tree in the ground it began raining as if God himself was sharing in our tears. At the end I gave the tree a kiss for you and told it to grow strong in the image of Alex and the four others we lost. My hope is that as it is growing tall and strong, many other families will be able to take temporary refugee from their pain under its loving branches.

Rose