Last night while looking at this picture I became overwhelmed with emotion. Not because I knew Matthew, the deceased, all that well but because of the background. Look at the lady sitting behind the memorial in the turquoise pants. That is the part that brought tears to my eyes and made me appreciate my blessings all the more.
This Memorial as you can see is for CPL Matthew Clark. Two and a half years ago, February 3, 2010, Matthew and two others were killed when on a helicopter training excercise in Germany. The family of Matthew and the other two guys have forever been changed. They now have a pain in their heart and miss the voice and presence of Matthew every single day.
Matthew's brother, Nick, is a very close friend to me and Brian. I can tell you exactly where I was and what I was doing when I got the call from Kristin, Nick's wife. I was devestated for Nick and his entire family.
The woman in the background of the memorial is Betty Clark. She buried her husband too early in life. She also buried her son, Matthew Clark, way before his time. This picture hurts my heart because I cannot imagine sitting on that bench and looking at the spot that stole my son's future. That spot held him last. His mother didn't get to hold him last. That spot held him last.
As a mother now myself I have learned so much from Betty. I have learned that everyday with my child is precious. I have learned to not take my daughter for granted because no day is guaranteed. I also know that no one will escape this life without heartache and hurt. What shapes us is how react to the heartaches in our life.
While I am sure there is not a day that Betty doesn't grieve her precious Matthew she continues to live life and be such an inspiration to everyone that knows her. If you read this I ask that you say a special prayer for the Clark's as they continue to mourn their precious Matthew.
