On this Memorial Day, Helen has allowed me to share some pictures with you of her brother, Adam Dobereiner, who was KIA in Afghanistan in November of 2011. This is the first Memorial Day for Helen's family and I want to find every way possible to honor and support them in sharing Adam's memory with the world.
Some of the following photos were taken by Helen and family, some by the National Guard and some were taken by the same photographer who did Helen's wedding, a man named Eric. These pictures have touched me so much and I look at them every now and then, just to stay in touch with what Helen must be feeling and to associate with her immeasurable pain and sorrow. I cannot walk in her shoes, but I can share her story. Through that, we can all be a part of who Adam Dobereiner was and give him the glory he deserves for his ultimate sacrifice.
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If you read the letter Helen wrote after Adam's death, you will know that
this picture was taken on Adam's 21st birthday.
Helen drove three hours just to share this special moment with him, then turned around
and drove three hours back home. That's the true love of a sister.
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A prayer for Adam at the funeral. |
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Words to describe a hero. |
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I asked Helen to explain the significance of the hand prints. She explained, |
"So you have a casket, the casket goes into a vault. My mom got this vault where if you put your hand print on it, it leaves the hand print....well, it was to cold that day and the hand prints weren't staying...so Adam's favorite color was lime green and so we all put lime green paint on our hands and put it down....this is the grandparents, siblings, nieces and nephew....it meant a lot."
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Somber faces of a family in shock. |
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Presentation of posthumous medals to Adam's mother. |
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My girls' half-sister is Helen's step-daughter, Marlee - here, she is
hugging the stone in remembrance of Adam. |
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The streets were lined with people as the hearse carried the casket. |
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You can see the intense respect for this duty. |
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Helen and her mother wait for Adam. |
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Adam's niece tries to understand where "Unca Ag-um" is. |
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Adam's father. |
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Ann Marie and Helen, Adam's sisters, both serve our country as well. |
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As Helen touches the flag, she also touches our hearts. |
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The church was filled to capacity. |
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Adam's sisters struggle to say good-bye, but only for now... |
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Adam's sisters hold hands for strength. |
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My God, how has this happened? RIP, brother. We will see you on the other side. |
What a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing Adam's story and family with us.
ReplyDeletePowerful, sad, a wonderful tribute to an extraordinary man.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by to be a part of this tribute. It is appreciated, truly.
ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon this and am so grateful I did. Thank you for posting just one of the many many stories we should keep to our hearts - today and everyday. The sacrifices made in the name of liberty should be forever honored.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely powerful! Thanks so much for sharing! Those who have served our country deserve our gratitude and honor.
ReplyDeleteWe too easily forget, don't we?
ReplyDeleteYes, they should. I am happy to do my part. Thanks so much for stumbling by ;0)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this...so often we only think of those who served and died long ago, on Memorial Day. That it can be so fresh is...I am speechless.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to stop by, read and comment.
ReplyDeleteKaren, I know exactly what you mean. That is the way I felt too until this happened. This death gave Memorial Day completely new meaning for me. It made it all too real when I knew somebody who lost someone. That's the way life teaches me lessons. By putting me in a circumstance I haven't ever been in so that I can be empathetic and understand it where before it would not have hit home. Thank you for taking the time to share in honoring Adam.
ReplyDeleteThis post just broke my heart. My father was in the military for 30 years. He did two tours in Vietnam and my mother told me that every day that he was gone was like eternity. My heart goes out to this family. I will forever be grateful for the men and women who fight for our country and allow us to enjoy the freedom and liberty that we have. Powerful post, Cindy. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAs I've said to the others, thank you so much for stopping by to read and comment. When this little blog can bring recognition to just one deserving person from so many people who would otherwise not have heard the story, that is worth all the writing and sharing I do.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I randomly found this and got to see these photos. I did not really know Adam, but I was there the night he died, his engineer unit was working in order to clear a road for my scout platoon. That night haunts my memories and though I did not know Adam personally, he has impacted my life in so many ways. I feel for his brothers in arms and his family alike. It's been a little over two years, but I assure you...you have not and will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace, Brother.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this comment. I will make sure the family receives it. His memory lives on and he will not be forgotten, that is for sure. I can't imagine what you all went through. May God bless you for your service and give you peace from the haunting memories.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to wite this comment. It lets my family and i know, that he hasnt been forgotten. Thank you.
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