Reflections    March 14, 2015

What a day!

Several months ago I received a phone call from Dank, a Marine buddy of Vanns. Wanting to get together for a day to meet us, to know more about us and share their time with our son.

 Vann passed away suddenly on October 6, 2009. I cannot begin to tell you how our lives changed. My heart as well as his fathers was broken, crushed, torn apart  and any other adjective to describe how we felt.

Vann desired to join the service as a young twelve year old...we laughed when the recruiter called us and discussed Vann's desire  to join the Navy.  When he was seventeen he joined the Marines. My heart leaped with fear of what would happen to him in those days as a young man, going out into a world that could be crushing to him. But God in His infinite wisdom knew what He was doing. Me, I could not see it until now years later. 

I cried when  I had to sign my son into a different world than what he was use to. Not knowing he would meet and live with some of the finest other young men....who formed a relationship that will  last as long as eternity.

Found out later that the other two men who  lived and served with Vann , was coming with Dank for the visit. I was excited to meet these wonderful men. Vann had talked about them, mentioning their names, telling us about some things that they had done together .

I didn't realize or know that God had placed them together,  After boot camp they were stationed together the 3 1/2 years together, sharing , forming a bond that would last forever.

Stories were told on this day, we shed tears, laughed, talked, over and over again on the 14th day of March 2015. 

Dank tells that when on maneuvers, it was his birthday and felt like it was the worst day of the year, when suddenly Vann jumped into the trench handing Dank a birthday cake made out of his rations saying "happy birthday bro!"  Those are the things you don't forget, helping to make a terrible day into a wonderful day.

Ray and Tommy spoke of their sharing towels, soap ,etc while on board ship , making sure each one had the things they needed to get through the rough times...Can you imagine sharing a towel , washcloth among four young healthy men? Oh boy !!!! But those are the things that make a lasting impression on you.

As we talked together on March 14th, I begin to realize that each man , as they could not attend the funeral of our son, was making their last words about Vann  to us, giving us encouragement to know that our son was loved  above measure.

I thought that I would cry my eyes out, but my heart was happy that I could know the side of my son, who loved these men as brothers, tried to make their lives seem easier in a difficult time of their young lives . Some having familes, young children and some who had left their comfort level at home. How hard it was on these young families. Vann was the light moment, making them laugh...pretending to play an "air guitar on his rifle" after a time of the difficult maneuvers. Yes, that was our son. He was always trying to make a difficult time a lighter one that helps you to "get onto the better times".

As a young child, he would always try to make us laugh, I think he could sense the difficult time that we were going through as young parents, young ministers of the gospel, and basically being young and not knowing what to do!!!!  Vann was wise beyond his years....!

Back to March 14th...I cannot tell you enough how I feel. A bit happier knowing more about my son, relieved that he did "good" in a difficult time.

Thank  you my "sons" from another (mother and father lol) for making this day a day I will not forget.You will never know the depth of our gratefulness of your love to us.
Thank you Yolanda, Annette and Tina , for encouraging your husbands to come and pay their respects to us. You are the greatest. Next time you come with them!

My wish and desire is that you, Dank, Tommy and Ray  continue to keep your relationship even stronger as the times here on earth are short.

Vann was a member of that relationship, And while he is gone in body he is still a member of your spirits. I love each and every one of you.

May God bring His blessings on you everyday.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your blessings on us,

Your Alabama family , the Shirley's