Today my second oldest child, Noah, turns 28.  We will celebrate tonight at the Gastropub with friends and family the passing of time and all the hope that comes with each new year a birthday marks.

I must acknowledge though, I am particularly grateful for Noah’s 28th birthday as I recognize that there are many other parents whose children have served in the armed forces that no longer will celebrate birthdays at joyful parties but instead will visit somber grave sites.

Spc. Keenan Cooper
Killed in combat – July 5, 2010

I am particularly cognizant of this given the recent death of Specialist Keenan Cooper of Wahpeton who died on my birthday (July 5) in Afghanistan while fighting for this country.  He was seven days shy of his 20th birthday when he was killed…he was all of 19.  Keenan was to marry in October.  The Forum did an article on his funeral in the paper today.  In the article we are reminded that Keenan was not just to be remembered as another fallen soldier – he was "a regular person with a big heart."   I liked that point, as I fear we forget that every soldier has an individual  story…every commitment to country comes with a larger cost than the one to just the individual…every impact that a soldier suffers – be it emotional, psychological or physical ripples across a family and community.  Every soldier who gives his or her effort for this country gives more than themself – they give a piece of the others who love them and rely on them. 

Keenan wasn’t just another fallen soldier.  Keenan was so much more than that.  These are real people, real lives – war doesn’t just happen in some far away country – it happens here and even though we don’t witness the day-to-day combat we live with the effects on our lives as soldiers come home emotionally, psychologically or physically changed (and those are the ones that get to come home alive).  There are many, many thousands of stories like Keenan’s…stories of strength and courage…stories of pride and honor…stories of loss and sadness…too many stories of regular people with big hearts who have given everything.

A tear rolls down my cheek as I write this – a tear for the loss that Keenan’s family and friends feel, for the thousands of other families like Keenan’s family who have lost loved ones, for my gratitude that I escaped living that reality, and for my frustration that in this day and age we still send people off to war.

God bless you Spc. Keenan Cooper.  You gave everything.  God bless your family for the cost they too have and will  pay for your service to this country.  You are not just another fallen soldier here…and your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Day three hundred and seventy-six of the new forty – obla di obla da

Ms. C