When I picked up the paper the other day, I read the news, and a plethora of material relating to the Ontario provincial election. I quickly skimmed through it, and went to my usual favourite sections. But when I went to fold the newspaper back up, on the bottom half of the front page, were two photographs of two Canadian soldiers.
At first, because the pictures are small, I didn't immediately recognize them. But the name, sort of jogged my memory. Yes, I did a double-take.
My mother's former neighbour, had been killed in Afghanistan only a couple of days before. He was good friends with my mother, and my family. They lived right across the street.
Sgt. Robert Short, 42 years of age, was killed when the jeep he was riding in hit a landmind, or unexploded buried shell near Kabul. Another Canadian soldier was killed: Cpl. Robbie Beerenfenger, 29 years of age. Three other Canadian soldiers were injured (non-life threatening).
Robert and his wife had gone through some very tough times many years ago. I was living up here in Toronto when a tragic fire burned down their mobile home, killing their youngest son. My brothers frantically tried to get in to rescue little Josh, but the smoke was too thick, and the flames were already making entry into the home, impossible. Until this day, my brothers remember that evening like it was yesterday, and it still bothers them that they could not get little 'Josh' out. The oldest boy got out with his parents.
Afterwards, the community near Fredericton, New Brunswick rallied behind them. The outpouring of support and help, was overwhelming. The community helped build a home for them. And they started to get on with their lives. They had experienced the love of a community.
Robert enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces, and quickly moved up in the ranks. He did very well. Eventually, he and his wife had a baby girl.
Robert eventually was posted to C.F.B. (Canadian Forces Base) Petawawa (northwest of Ottawa) to continue in his career as a military soldier.
My brother called me the very night I read the newspaper regarding Sgt. Robert Short. Yes, he confirmed to me, that it was him, and we both went kind of quiet, trying to make sense of all this.
I have a brother in the military, and although I haven't spoken to him yet, apparently, he's taking this a bit hard. He knew Robert well, and he was the one who tried to save little 'Josh' so many years ago.
The ironies in this life.
Robert was a real decent guy. He was closer to my brothers and my mother. But still, I felt badly.
The bodies of the two killed Canadian soldiers were returned home, yesterday.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/cdncasualties/index.html
It has been on my mind for several days. Robert's wife also is living with M.S., so things are not easy for them.
I've been a bit quiet lately. I hope folks will understand.
Rayzorblade
<~~~ flying at half-mast