Dear Don and Sharon,
As the father of two sons myself, I cannot imagine your sadness and grief. I hope you take comfort in knowing that your son was not only serving his country, but was part of a noble and humanitarian cause.
I recently attended a concert by a favorite musican of mine, Garnet Rogers, a Canadian who has written several moving songs about his countrymen fighting alongside our own young men and women in Afghanistan. Garnet introduced a new song about that war by explaining how our troops there are improving the lives of the Afghan people, especially the women who were denied basic human rights under the Taliban, and who would be in great danger should those extremists take power there again. He spoke passionately and at length about the good we are doing there, and what we are accomplishing, and how great would be the harm that would ensue should we fail or withdraw. He gave us all much to think about, and I recalled his words immediately when I started to read this thread.
Your son Elijah gave his life in service to others, and there is no nobler way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. As time passes, I hope your pride in his commitment and his chivalry ease the pain of losing him.
Please know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Giff Nickol
Bel Air, Maryland
