Saturday Morning Message: Our Loved One's Thoughts

Good morning,

For many of us, it is winter, so I thought this picture of a beach at sunset in the summertime might be the perfect way to take many of us out of the dreary winter weather to contemplate questions such as what our loved ones might say if they were here today. When we answer this question, we celebrate how our loved ones lived their lives. Sharing these thoughts with others lets them get to know these special people.

If reading this Saturday Morning Message makes you want to share your thoughts, please write them down and send them to me. In addition to this message, we at TAPS also put together a monthly publication called the Writers’ Circle in which survivors send poems, essays, pictures and thoughts about a message question after reading what others have said. We would love to read your writing. You can write your reflections and subscribe to the Writers’ Circle by sending an email to me at online@taps.org.

Hugs,
Carol Lane
Mother of Bryon

Answers from Survivors

Responses from Survivors to last week's question: What do you think your loved one would say to you today? 

From Leslie, mother of Eugene: Mom, there are too many reasons why you are so loved, especially by me. I will tell you a few. You loved me when I was a miserable person to be around. You stood by me and never flinched. You were proud of my accomplishments especially in the Navy. You created a law that not only helped me with college tuition, but other military veterans as well received enhanced education benefits that includes books, room and board. This was signed into law by President Obama in January 2011 just a couple of weeks before I passed away. And best of all is that you accepted Jo — a girlfriend I had for years but never let you know — as your own daughter. You love her and her daughter like they were blood. Love you, Gene

From Kelsey, mother of Michael: My son, affectionately known as Bear, was a big ol’ teddy bear and loved video and board games. He would say Momma-san, let's play a game today. Maybe The Witcher, followed by one of the board games we were developing before his death. We prototyped one before his death and were working on another. I finished the second one and it's ready for prototyping.

From Anne, mother of Michael: I know that my son, Michael, a Marine who was killed test piloting the Osprey, and my husband, Buddy, a Korean War Purple Heart recipient who died four years ago, are looking down on me with BIG smiles on their faces and happy that I am able to go forward with my life while always honoring them. I am a grateful woman who cherishes life and uplifts others as I go through my day.

If you would like to send a message thanking one or all of those who participated in this week’s Saturday Morning Message, send it to me at online@taps.org and I will make sure your thoughts are passed along to them.

Question for Next Week’s Saturday Morning Message 

The question this week comes from Perry, father of Christopher. Perry wrote, “You got me thinking about questions for the future. My idea is to bring up happy moments from our past that will bring a smile to everyone as many of us have had shared experiences.” Perry’s question for this week is: What is one of the funniest things your loved one did? We look forward to your responses. 

I am always looking for questions from survivors. Send me a question or a list of questions that you have for future Saturday Morning Messages. You can also respond to Perry’s question by emailing me at online@taps.org. I directly receive all responses that are sent to this address. In order to have your reply included in the week’s Saturday Morning Message, it is best to send it to me by Tuesday morning of the following week. Thank you to everyone responding this week and those who read this message.

♫ Song for the Week

This week’s song is from Robin, spouse of Alex. Robin wrote, “As I was listening to the song listed in the Saturday Morning Message today, I saw this one listed below it. I've never heard this song, but it really touched me when I listened to it.” The song is "Even When It Hurts" sung by Hillsong United.

You can send me favorite songs for this song of the week section at online@taps.org and include a note about why the song is meaningful to you.