Thursday, December 16, 2004

An Open Letter

To My Dearest Wife,

Once again we find that by force of occasion and occupation I am separated from you. War is, indeed, an ugly business. However, the death, bloodshed, and emotional turmoil that it generates are but a small part of it’s ugliness. It’s most grotesque face can be seen in the soldiers I almost daily speak with who are suffering the ravages of war in their homes and marriages. And as I speak with each, I cannot help but thank God for you, my very heart.

My desire, above all, is that you would know of my deepest admiration and gratitude for the sacrifices you make each day to the cause for which so many have given so much. Would that all of my soldiers had such a rock to rest upon, such a place of solace, as that which I find in one word from your lips. I can’t help but believe that their hearts would be bolstered, their spirits lifted, their minds put at ease if only they could know the love of a woman as I find in you. I consider myself the most fortunate of men and am compelled to tender to you my sincerest and life long love.

My love, thank you for being such a wonderful mother to our children, thank you for the smile forever found on your beautiful face, thank you for your willingness to follow my calling, thank you for being my bride. I am all the better a man for having you as my perfect companion.

Please kiss the children for me and ensure they know of my pride in each of them, as well as my heartfelt love for their mother. I long to see you again, and anticipate doing so very soon. Until that wonderful moment when my lips taste of the nectar of your kisses, always remember,

My Heart Is For You.

Brad

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

God bless you. I am retired Air Force & cannot tell you how important you are to our morale. You will be in our prayers forever. Thank you for the work you are doing.

Anonymous said...

God bless you for what you are going. I am retired Air Force, and pray for our troops each day. I live in Colorado Springs where the 3rd AC is getting ready to head back over there for the 2nd time. God bless our troops

Anonymous said...

Thank you sir and your family for allowing Father to use you to minister to our soldiers. There are no words adequate enough to express the deep gratitude that so many feel for what our soldiers are doing for the Iraqi people and for our own people, and for the support you give them through the work you have been called to do there. Please let them know of our appreciation and our prayers for them. Please know that includes you and your family as well. God bless and be safe.

Anonymous said...

Dear Brad,
I've heard it said that the most important thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother. Your children are blessed indeed, as am I, to know that people like you and your family are sacrificing for me.
With the deepest gratitude and respect,
Annie Smith

Anonymous said...

Hey Brad, read a few of your pages and it's nice to hear a level headed American voice coming from Iraq. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff I've read from others. Anyways, glad someone grateful and humble is over there to help keep the boys sane.

I have only read a few pages like I said, but from a comment up above where he mentions Father..does that mean you are a member of the Unification Church?

Anonymous said...

Chaplain and Mrs. Lewis - You and your family will be in my prayers daily. It is impossible to measure the sacrifice both of you have made for those young men and women. God bless you and may the peace which surpasses all understanding be with you through your life.

Merry Christmas

Anonymous said...

My prayers goes out to the men and women of the Armed Forces. I am a proud Asian American.

Anonymous said...

Sending prayers your way. Stay strong and assure all who are hurting that they are in our thoughts often.

Anonymous said...

Brad,

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for those of you defending our freedom. Thank God for you and your service to help those that are in need. I will continue to pray for all of you, your safe return, and a miracle to end the madness there. Know that you are in our hearts and on our minds continuously.

With Deepest Love and Appreciation,
Brandi
Waxahachie, TX

Anonymous said...

I never sent you a message before so today I'm reading your blog. Man, this one got to me. I'm a World War II Vet and know the pain of not having my wife wait until I returned. You're a lucky man Chaplain. And by the sounds of things, she's a darn lucky woman.

Elmer N.
Blythe, CA