Coping with Tragedy

I did not personally know any of the service members lost in Afghanistan this past weekend, but I have still been mourning their loss. Most of the SEALs that were lost were stationed right here in Virginia Beach, so it hits really close to home. I first saw the horrific headline on my phone while my husband was driving us down to Camp Lejeune for a farewell cookout for a friend of ours who is deploying to Afghanistan very soon. Tears immediately began streaming down my face. Any loss is a huge loss, but this was something else. And for this to happen just as one of my very best friends is saying farewell to her husband and he deploys to Afghanistan, it's just completely heart wrenching and terrifying.

This afternoon I sat down and began reading stories about the lives of some of the heroes that were lost. You should do the same. Familiarize yourself with these brave individuals that gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Most of them were married with small children and pregnant wives. Over 40 children lost their fathers.  The next time you think your life sucks, think of the baby that will never meet their father, or the pregnant widow who is left to raise her children on her own. The next time you see a service member in uniform, thank them for their service. Do everything you can to support the people you know with loved ones deployed to a war zone; spouses, children, parents. They are scared. Keep them busy, keep them laughing, and listen. Support our troops and the families that worry for their lives every day.

Here are some links to check out:

Remembering the Fallen: Troops are Identified in Helicopter Crash in Eastern Afghanistan

Local Donation Drive in Hampton Roads

Donate to the Navy SEAL Foundation (Or Text "SEAL" to 90999 to give $10 to help support the Navy SEAL foundation)

Navy SEAL Foundation Facebook Page