Wednesday, January 7, 2009

His Star Has Turned From Blue to Gold

In the Washington Post this morning, there is an article about Army Spec. Stephen G. Zapasnik, who was killed in Iraq on Christmas Eve. This young soldier was only 19, the age of my youngest son. He was laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery yesterday. The article is here. If you are so moved, please leave your condolences for his family at Legacy.com.

When John was in BMT at Lackland, AFB...I happened upon a song titled, "He's My Son" by Mark Shultz. The days I felt scared for him, knowing he was facing such enormous challenges...I would listen to this song over and over and over. It is one of my favorite songs to listen to on my Blog's PlayList (on the right sidebar). The words brought comfort to my anxious heart. I do pray for Stephen's mom to find comfort.

Here are the words to "He's My Son"

I'm down on my knees again tonight
I'm hoping this prayer will turn out right
See there is a boy that needs Your help
I've done all that I can do myself
His mother is tired
I'm sure You can understand
Each night as he sleeps
She goes in to hold his hand
And she tries not to cry
As the tears fill her eyes

Can You hear me?
Am I getting through tonight?
Can You see him?
Can You make him feel all right?
If You can hear me
Let me take his place somehow
See, he's not just anyone
He's my son

Sometimes late at night I watch him sleep
I dream of the boy he'd like to be
I try to be strong and see him through
But God who he needs right now is You
Let him grow old
Live life without this fear
What would I be
Living without him here
He's so tired and he's scared
Let him know that You're there

Can You hear me?
Can You see him?
Please don't leave him
He's my son


May Almighty God bring comfort to the heart of this Soldier's mother.
May Almighty God Bless each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine.

25 comments:

Wonderful World of Weiners said...

I love this song. Makes me cry everytime.

Hallie :)

Unknown said...

hallie...I thank you for stopping by!

Grandpa-Old Soldier said...

Perfect. That's about all I can say. Have faith and hope will follow.

Unknown said...

grandpa...your kind words mean so much!

Unknown said...

canyou...I enjoyed my visit to your blog and will return to read you soon! Thank you for taking the time to stop by!

GUYK said...

Sometimes it is tougher on the family than on the military member. I remember well a classified temporary duty assignment (TDY) when I was stationed in the Philippines during my first enlistment. I was not able to even mail a letter for a couple of months and I didn't have enough sense to write some letters before hand for my buddies to post for me. My Mother was of course worried sick...wrote my commander because I hadn't written her...and all he could do was write back telling her I was Okay.

But this is just part of the military and sometimes it does require as many sacrifices from family as from the ones serving. My hat is off and my hand offered to all who serve and their families.

Unknown said...

guyk...thank you for leaving these insightful words. Thank YOU for your service.

Catie the Greatie said...

I love this song! And I want to thank you for your support and kind words. It makes me happy that at least one person cares about what happens in my life. I have 3 other sisters but my mom and I are the only ones who clash and I know this means that we could definitely have a good relationship someday.
I enjoy your blog so much because it shows me so much about the other people in my situation and gives me amazing guidance :]

Unknown said...

catie...you have tremendous support, our nation is so blessed to have young people as yourself desire to protect our freedoms! It is my honor to have you visit!

Jormengrund said...

This song holds a special meaning for me..

I dedicated it to my friends in the service just before singing it in a vocal competition.

Thanks to the emotional support, I was selected to go to Vegas, and record it for an overseas release for my old servicemates!

Never forget this:

The men and women over there aren't really there for some ideal or national need, they're over there for their families. They fight for a better future for their homes, families and lives.

Unknown said...

jormengrund...you chose an outstanding song to dedicate! If there is any way for me to post your rendition, I would be honored to do so!
Your words of support for our servicemen and women is valued!

Unknown said...

Words escape me right now. My prayers for his family is all I have.

Unknown said...

megryansmom...I am certain your prayers will be heard.

Mary Ellen said...

My heart goes out to this outstanding soldier's family. I had never heard this song before, but it's just beautiful.

Unknown said...

me...I am certain the family appreciates all of our good thoughts and prayers. So glad you discovered a new song!

Debbie said...

My love and prayers are constant for our young men and women and I can't even imagine the pain the families suffer during the tragedy of losing such young family members.

This is a beautiful song and brought tears to my eyes...

Unknown said...

debbie...your kind words are deeply appreciated!

Tonjia said...

There is a mom and dad somewhere mourning this loss, I hope they know how thankful we are that their son served and died for our freedom.

19 is so young...

Unknown said...

tonjia... 19 is so very young. Forever he is now a hero.

Mary said...

What a shame. He was so young and his mother will miss him all of his life, even though they had talked about the possibility he would not return home. I'm glad she has the peace of knowing he is with Jesus. What a celebration was had in heaven on Jesus' birthday.

Lovely song. I had never heard it before. Very emotional.

Blessings to you and yours,
Mary

Unknown said...

mary...prayers are needed for this hurting mom.

Mary said...

PS Just sent you an email, my friend.

Unknown said...

mary...THANK YOU for the e-mail...please look for my reply!

kimmy said...

That is a beautiful song. Brings tears to my eyes...

Kimmy

Unknown said...

kimmy...I know what you mean. I won't even try to count how many times this song has brought tears to my eyes!