 |
| Bridget Mary with brother Patrick |
Today, I called my brother, Patrick, who served in Vietnam, to share my gratitude for his service.
I offer this prayerful blessing for Patrick and for all veterans—those who returned home, those still carrying invisible wounds, and those who never made it back.
Patrick was drafted after high school.
In 1966, I had entered the convent and was learning the basics of religious life—nunhood 101—while my brother, like thousands of young soldiers, was thousands of miles away in harm’s way.
He served with the 101st Airborne Division. He wrote home a few times from Vietnam—just enough for us to know that things were bad, though he didn’t say much. He was hit once by shrapnel, thankfully not a serious injury, and he finished his full tour.
I wrote to him assuring him that the nuns were praying for him and for all those in the war.
In those days, we had no access to TV or newspapers in the convent, so I did not see the daily horrors of war the rest of the world watched. I only prayed and hoped for his safe return.
By grace, Patrick came home without visible scars.
It wasn’t until years later that we discovered a medal of honor tucked away in a box in the garage—something he never mentioned. He rarely talked about Vietnam, not to me, and not to our parents. Like so many veterans, he carried his memories privately.
He served his country honorably, returned home, married Valerie, and stayed close to family and friends.
So today, I remember my brother, and I remember all veterans—those who returned and rebuilt their lives quietly, those who carry wounds that the world cannot see, and those who paid the ultimate price.
A Blessing for Veterans
Loving God,
We ask your blessing on our veterans,
on those who served in distant lands,
on those who returned home changed forever,
and on those who gave their lives.
Bless those who still struggle with the memories of war,
those who bear scars—visible and invisible—
and those whose nights are too often filled with disturbing dreams.
Heal every wound:
the body’s pain, the spirit’s ache, the silent struggles of the heart.
Bless the families who waited, who prayed, who worried,
and who grieve.
May our gratitude not be limited to a single day
or to words alone.
Give us courage to work for peace and justice,
that no one has to engage in war again.
May we honor our veterans service
by building a world worthy of their sacrifice.
God of compassion and God of peace,
wrap our veterans in your tender embrace
and hold in eternal light those who have gone home to you.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment