On Behalf of a Grateful Nation

December 24, 2003--I was alone with my thoughts on that Christmas Eve morning; of two of my children overseas, fighting for our country, away from their family during a season and holiday that is supposed to bring families together.  The doorbell rang and as I approached our front door I focused on the green uniform on the other side of the door.  I thought to myself with a huge smile on my face, "He did make it home".  I opened the door, saw his face and heard the soldier say, "On behalf of a grateful nation..." My first born son, Captain Christopher F. Soelzer, would not be coming home after all.

What happened next...What was said next...I really don't remember.  It was the day that my world would never be the same.  A hole in my heart that no one person could mend.  My husband, Alan (Christopher's Stepfather), heard the news while at the hospital on an ambulance run that three officers were killed by an IED (improvised explosive device).  He later told me that he "knew" it was one of our boys.  Joshua, my second born, was serving in Iraq also.  He was "quarantined" so his commanders could tell him that his brother and best friend was killed on the road to Samara.  He had to wait hours in anguish before he could call home, and then there was the very long plane ride to the US.  My youngest son, Timothy, was at work when his spouse found him to tell him the news.  Tim later told me, he fell to the floor. His "big brother" and "the only one who really understood him and loved him unconditionally" was gone.

The rest of the story will be revealed as this blog continues.

My first entry for this blog reveals my right, my passion, my commitment to starting the Sparrow's Nest. I have realized over the last seven (7) years that God is faithful.  His eye is on the sparrow and his love and promises endure forever and watches over me and you.

I commit to you that we, the Sparrow's Nest staff, will companion you through whatever journey brought you to our door.  We will continue to walk this solo path together toward full integration of the loss of loved ones, pets, jobs, expectations, broken promises, broken dreams. 

We believe in the power of love and a power greater than ourselves. We believe that if you mourn well you will live well.  Come and share with us and sit, tell your story again and again.

May your journey begin here...with us~