Musings from a war wearied shattered hearts of parents:    

" Where are you Christmas ..." ... unlike Christmases which occurred in times past, this Christmas as was the
past two is darkened and solemn ... nothing like the Christmases past. Again this year - and forevermore - there
will be an empty chair just like the emptiness in our hearts and lives. How many more empty chairs will join ours
throughout this land and planet.

" Why can't I find you ...." through the tears and closed eyes, the spirit has changed - if not faded from our world
and lives. We hear the singing and see the colors but our hearts are not touched by anything other than
bittersweet memories of the past. The celebration of Christmas now consists of going over to our son's "place"
in lot 21 at Island Pond Cemetery, Ludlow, Mass.

" Why have you gone away ...." we thought that we had a lifetime together. We thought that we had so many more
Christmases to enjoy. We sit in our chairs .. waiting for your footsteps that once echoed in our hallway - only
never to be heard again. Not only have we lost you but also your sons and daughters who would have been.

" Where is the laughter you use to bring me ..." laughter replaced by tears. All that used to be wonderful is now
shrouded with the heavy, dark cloak of gloom .... some days so much more worse than others.

" Why can't I hear music play ..." the music at your services has replaced all other music in my head and the
tones are so heavy with the sense of loss, grief and confusion. I shut out the carols and songs of joy.

" My world is changing ..." changed? It's destroyed! Our present world is nothing like the world which used to be.
Swirling raging  storms of so many feelings engulf us yet we all mask so well.

" I'm rearranging ..." somehow we cope but we don't know how - struggling to survive and making sense of all
this.

" Does that mean Christmas changes too ...." it is and will never be the day that it was before you went away.

" Do you remember the one you use to know; I'm not the same one; See what the time's done; is that why you've
let me go .... "

( lyrics from" Where are you Christmas" - How the Grinch Stole Christmas Soundtrack )

Some ramblings - in this the greatest country: how could they ... our government ...have let us down so horribly.
As they celebrate the Holiday season, we go to our loved ones' graves ... because of them starting a war that
needn't have been and then failing to give the best of care to many of those who answered this country's call to
arms.

Despite the heaviness, grief and loss ... at this time, we do want to wish all of you a meaningful Holiday Season
with hopes for peace. You all are and will remain  in our thoughts and hearts.

Love & Peace,

Kevin & Joyce Lucey, the proud parents of Cpl. Jeffrey Michael Lucey
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Musings from a war wearied shattered hearts of parents: