john858

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john858

TOP sorry out of town a few days.

john858

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Scooterz

Hey Rudy-

I have to admit, I have posted on this thread before & admired it each time. It was not until TODAY that I realized what happend (not the first time I am the last one to "get it") It was today that I realized you lost your son Jay.

In two hours, my family is having a party (returning from Iraq party for my Uncle in law Sam). That is why I went to this thread before I go this party. I wanted to say hello to everyone & celebrate. He has been home now for about 3 weeks. I debated once I knew about Jay if I should post at all.... I thought how unfair it is for us to be be celebrating this day knowing that you are many miles away... greiving the loss of your son. But then I thought about this: Jay is one of the reasons why I am celebrating Sam's return today. It is because of people like Jay that we remember why we are here doing what we do. At best, today is bitter-sweet as me & the kid's going to this celebration of my uncles return from Iraq.

Here's the thing- I beleieve that there is a reason for everything. There is a reason that I found this thread today & found out about Jay while at the same time I will be celebrating Sam's return. Whatever the reason may be, Jay will be honored by all when I get there... your family will be prayed for when I get there, & Jay's bravery & service will be mentioned & will not be in vein. Thank God for people like Jay... thank God. Today before we eat, I will gather everyone for grace & we will pray over you & your family.

I am sorry I did not know... guess my ADD is still there from childhood a little... but now I know & I can pray about it. I think it is healthy for you to talk about Jay if you feel like it... we are your support & family from far away too. I cannot imagine your pain, but I can pray about it & ask God to help. I am sure Jay is a fine man & WE THANK YOUR FOR SHARING YOUR PAIN WITH US. I/we support you & your family. If you need anything, just PM me. Rigsby

john858

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hollowayshotrods

Riggs,
Thanks for the kind words my friend! No need to worry about not knowing about Jay until recently.
Thank Sam for his service for us, without these men we would be in a world of of total anarchy.

Jay was killed on 10/21/05, we buried him on 11/2/05.
I seem to be very unorganized in my feelings this time of year. Our favorite time to fish, hunt and just generally be outdoors. But unfortunately for me, it has turned into what seems like some form of punishment over the last couple of years.

Just when you think it is getting easier, WHAM, fall settles in and returns with the overcast days that provide wayyyyyy tooooo much time to think about what could have been.

I must tell you guys, without my beautiful wife Cynthia and my younger boys Luke and Wes, I do not think I could handle this.

I have really never had very much heartbreak in my life, I think sometimes God saved it all up for me and gave it to me all at once.

Curt, I know you are reading this too. Tell your son we are very thankful and hope for his safe return. In fact, this goes out to EVERYONE with a loved one taking care of our freedom and safety.

Thanks for reading this if you did, I really needed to let some of this out.

Will post more pics soon.

Semper Fi!!

Jay is bottom right, the one with the mule eating briars smile (that rarely, if ever left his face) holding the K-Bar.

curtisreed

I sure will Rudy, thank you. I sent R.A. (my son) a link to this a while back and I think he checks it occasionally. I'm glad you posted that pic of your son. I have to say that I think about your son quite frequently since hearing his story, usually whenever I am thinking about R.A. He is supposed to be heading home Nov. 20th. I can hardly wait.

Oh, and anytime you need us Rudy.

Curtis

Scooterz

Well Rudy, I sure sympathize about your memories of the fall & hunting & such. We have that comon understanding, hunting is some much more than harvesting an animal. I am sure that Jay would tell you to get back out there sometime & go hunting. In fact, It would be my honor to give you a bow from my company (Bowtech) such as a Airborne 82nd or an Admiral. When that day comes, you let me know & I will send you a bow to hunt with in your son's honor. I think God really has a special place in his heart for those who gave everything they had to protect the innocent & keep the peace. If it is one thing that should help you is knowing that your son is in a better place waiting for you & your family. Who knows, we may all be going there soon with the way things are going. Keep the faith & know you have friends that support you.

hollowayshotrods

Riggs,
I gotta tell you man, I haven't been on a hunt since winter of '04. I really have lost the want to go anymore. I haven't changed my view on hunting, it should be for food and keeping the population down. For some weird reason, I just don't want to kill anymore. But don't let that lead you to thinking I won't EAT a steak or venision, I do know it is me still at the top of the food chain! :lol: :lol: Your offer is very generous, but the bow would go unused here, I rarely even shoot targets anymore. I included a picture of my bow, it is around 25 years old, still as true as my sweetheart!! Go ahead, show your buds at work the relic I use, it will get a good laugh!
Doorracer, tell R.A. thanks for everything! I know you can't wait to see his face my friend, I sure know that feeling!


Later,

TheYellaBrick

Rudy,
Go hunting with a camera instead, or just your eyeballs and binoculars. Your son will still be with you out yonder as you enjoy the wonderment of our free America.