Sunday, June 18, 2006

My Soldier Waits in Heaven

I recently received this poem from Army Captain Stefanie Pelkey. Her husband, Michael (also an Army Captain who'd served in Operation Iraqi Freedom), committed suicide in November 2004 only days following a diagnosis for PTSD. Mrs. Pelkey has been an outspoken advocate for increasing mental health awareness and care for returning veterans of this century's conflicts. She has testified before the House Veterans Affairs Committee and the President's Mental Health Commission.

Today is a good day to share her words with you, and to send out my warm thoughts of respect and support to her for her work on this issue in the face of much personal pain and tragedy.

My Soldier Waits in Heaven
By Stefanie Ellen Pelkey

You were a father, a soldier, a husband, a son
Your service and memory will live on
Your heart and mind would not forget
The war and horror would not relent
My Michael, my husband, my best friend
You could not continue to withstand the pain

We will never forget your smile and your shine
I will pass it on to the child you left behind
My Michael you made us who we are today
May your soul rest in Heaven, may we meet again someday

For Michael and Benjamin Pelkey

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By Ilona Meagher - 4:29 PM | Permanent Link
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