Shade of my Heart: A day for remembrance

11 April is a special day for me. It's a day of remembrances and memories.

11 April 1999

I gave my life to Jesus. I was baptised at my church in Virginia. It was actually a re-baptism. I was baptised as an infant, but our Preacher in Virginia encouraged us to re-dedicate our lives to Christ if we could not remember our first baptism.. Seeing as how I was under a year, I didn't remember it. But I do remember every detail of MY baptism and it will always be a day that will stick in my mind!

11 April 2002

My grandfather passed after a long battle with Lou Gherig's disease. It was only 2 months after my son, Riley, was born, but I believe that a part of my grandfather carries on in Riley. The day of the funeral, I was sitting on the bed dressing him and he laughed for the first time. It wasn't just a little laugh, it was a belly laugh, and smile and more. My mom, aunt and coulsins were in the room, and witnessed it, too. We were all amazed. However, that night brought more miracles. I had a dream about that exact setting, to the detail, but the one thing I didn't see during the day, was my grandfather leaning over Riley, smiling and making faces at him. Riley laughed and smiled just like he did early that day. I truly believe that my grandfather was there that morning with us, and Riley saw him.

11 April 2006

This was a rough day. We had our first casualty hit in Iraq during Jason's second deployment. A convoy of Bradley and HMVEE's was hit with IED's. One of our Bradley's was demolished with 5 brave Soldier's inside. The gunner was thrown over 100ft and survived with burns over 50% of his body. Jason and I were able to visit him and he has made a remarkable recovery, Praise God! 4 were still trapped inside and 3 of our Soldiers were killed instantly. SGT Joseph Blanco, SPC James Costello III andPFC George Roehl, Jr gave all for their country. They will truly NEVER be forgotten. A 4th Soldier, PFC Devon Gibbons, we severly injured sustaining 3rd degree burns over 90% of his body, lost both of his legs, broke his back and lost his right arm. He was transfered to BAMC in San Antonio where he would later give his all in June. We will never forget our Fallen Soldiers.

SPC James Costello, III