Chad

This is my friend Charles (Chad). He was a great Soldier but an even better father, husband and friend. He took me under his wing and mentored me (and trust me, I needed a lot of mentoring). He believed in me. He lived fully.
On October 26th, 2003, he became the first Soldier I personally knew to die at the hands of those who chose hate and violence as their hallmark. Yet, he did not die that day because his spirit of love and friendship and generosity lives in all of us who know him.
I really dislike when people treat Memorial Day like a national funeral, almost as much as those who treat it as just another three-day weekend.
Today, I will remember how my friend lived. I will remember his stupid jokes. I'll remember the twinkle in his eye as he spoke about his family.  I'll remember when he taught me I could "choose" happiness as a way of life. And with him in my heart, I will honor him as I know he would want me to. I will cook and eat and drink and generally be merry. I will feel the sun on my face, hold those I love a little closer, play a little music and welcome summer along with the rest of America. Because the last thing he'd want is me moping around depressed thinking about his death on a day when I should be celebrating life. Today I will do what he would want me to, I will Live!
On this special day, I feel infinitely thankful to those who've paid the ultimate price and deeply connected to those who've lost a loved one or friend.