Date: March 12, 2023Author: Edge of Humanity Magazine

Written by Mary Anne Abdo

I write the words on paper that only you can give me.

I am sorry that you had to leave.

I am sorry you left this earth in so much pain.

I am sorry that your eyes witnessed war and strife.

I am sorry that the Green Zone was really not a safe haven.

I am sorry scud missiles made you and Maureen run for your lives.

I am sorry that blood filled the Tigris River.

I am sorry that there was no solace in Baghdad.

I am sorry that you lost your American comrades, who were blown

to nothing that day in the barrack’s gym.

I am sorry that your Iraqi interpreters will never be seen again,

in a war they never wanted.

I am sorry that when you came home and had to attend funerals of your comrades who took their lives.

Because the pain of war was too much to fathom…

I am sorry that PTSD was your new normal.

And that nobody really understood.

I am sorry your life became so full of sorrow.

I am sorry it was so unbearable that leaving earth was the only way to stop this madness.

I am eternally grateful that you protected my sister.

I am eternally grateful that you defended this nation.

I am eternally grateful for that you served with honor, distinction and bravery.

I will count you, my dear amongst the five pointed golden stars in the beautiful night sky.

Text © Mary Anne Abdo

Thank you to the Edge of Humanity Magazine for featuring this poem two weeks ago. Suicide is not a topic that most people want to discuss, especially that of a brave man or woman who served our country. But it is a topic that needs to be addressed, that statistics of our military men and women who suffer with PTSD are staggering. PTSD and it’s effects really never go away. The mental help and support they need are vital for them to go on with their lives. I can not emphasize this enough for loved one who is suffering or yourself suffering with the effects of PTSD, there is hope and there is help. Please reach out to someone who can get you to the support services that is needed. A family member, a trusted friend, someone who will support you. For without you there is a void and you matter because you gave us the freedoms in this country though your brave service. Thank you in advance for listening and please pass this message along. We have no idea how a simple gesture of compassion will mean to someone who really needs it.