Fallen Soldiers and Heroes

This is our nephew, Lou, who was killed a year ago in the war. Thank you for adding him to your list of fallen soldiers. Lou left behind my sister’s daughter, Michele, who had been in the Air Force as well, (she’s now out), and their two adorable sons, Gabe and Adrian. It’s been devastating. I published a story with Angels on Earth magazine, when Lou was killed. The piece explained the day Michele and boys were making snow angels and taking pictures to send to Lou who was away on a training mission. They were so happy and excited about sending them to Lou. Later that evening, soldiers showed up on Chele’s doorstep. With her usual sense of humor, she said, “Please tell me this is just a practice routine…” Unfortunately, they were there to tell her that Lou’s helicopter had crashed over the Red Sea. That evening, I stayed in Newport News with my niece and two boys. We cuddled up in their big bed, and cried together. Exhausted, we were just falling asleep, when Michele and I heard the sound of a bell ringing. That’s when she knew that Lou was telling us he was at home with Jesus. You see, the last time they’d been together, Gabe had wanted the ‘I Believe Bell’ from the movie, “The Polar Express”. Lou spent a weekend looking for the bell to give to Gabe for Christmas. Gabe was thrilled when he opened the gift on Christmas day and found his bell. Later on Christmas night, Lou and Chele were lying in each other’s arms, when Chele turned to Lou. “Before you go on this next mission, I need to know you believe, and that we will be together in heaven one day…” Lou hugged Michele closer. “Just like Gabe’s ‘I believe bell,” I believe, Chele..” He was killed that February.. We know Lou is in heaven with Jesus… Love in Him, Mary Z. Smith