James told me he was a foot soldier in Vietnam. He told me his best friend was also his foe because he killed James with friendly fire.
"I thought Charlie would get me. But my best friend shot me by mistake in the jungles of Vietnam. In the cover of darkness and leaves and rain...so much rain. Thick and swampy...swamp grass near the foot hills of that mountain. We blended in. We could hear Charlie in the distance...see the light from them firing. We waited for our command. Shots rang out before the command. (James gave the name of his best friend)...He jumped the gun. He shot in the darkness through the trees (or leaves). He shot me. I dreamed of going home to my wife and family with medals of honor, not in a wooden box with an American flag draped over me. Not being shot by a friend. Not like that. What was honorable about that?
My wife (Allie or Allison) was so young and beautiful. It shouldn't have ended that way. We were going to start a family when I got back. A little boy, a little girl. We always liked the name Gracie, after my Grandmother. She moved on after me. She has had a great life. Married well with children and grandchildren and maybe a couple great (grandchildren) before she's gone, before she comes home. To me, to see me again. No, not just me. But I look forward to seeing her again, explaining what happened to me out there, apologizing for leaving her that way. I saw her sadness, so much sadness and tears. It made me want to stay. But I had to go home. God called me Home. I still had work to do at Home.
I still feel the fear of Vietnam. I still feel the pain and the heartache. I still feel the anger for leaving that way, less than honorable. But, I have found peace here, a certain amount of peace, and I helped a lot of my buddies cross over so they weren't alone. Even soldiers I never knew. I think they were glad to have someone there who understood what they went through. Doesn't matter what war. War is war. And a good soldier is a good soldier. God Blesses us all.
Thank you for listening to me. Thank you for letting me tell my story. I know you will know what to do with it." (Smiles). I see him give me a peace sign while in his fatigues and helmet.
I said to James, I offer you a medal for bravery and for all of your work helping cross over soldiers. He replied, "That's not necessary little lady. It's done with love and respect, not out of needing anything in return for it." He gave me a big smile and I could tell he genuinely appreciated my gesture. He saluted me, smiled again and said, "Thank you." I replied, "Thank you, Sir. God Bless!" James left me with, "And you."
While my Thursday night didn't go as planned, I wouldn't change a moment of it. I am honored that James contacted me to tell me his story. And the fact that he helps other soldiers cross over and find their way Home, brings a tear to my eye.
God Bless! xo
In Love and Light,
Lisa Marie
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