David’s birthday
Maria Lane, Emporia
Originally published 02:02 p.m., April 3, 2008
Updated 02:02 p.m., April 3, 2008
Today, April 3, 2008, David Lane would have been 21 years old.
I think every birthday with your children is important. Sometimes, though, things have a way of making you treasure them even more.
David and I shared our birth dates and every year, we celebrated our birthdays together. I made lasagne — his favorite — and chocolate cake. Then, beginning in April 3, 2006, we had to celebrate our birthdays separately; he was in boot camp. Even though the soldiers are limited to calling when they are given special permission, he called to wish me a happy birthday.
When he graduated boot camp, I had a belated birthday party for him with our family and some of his friends. I rented a space at the recreation center and hired a DJ to play music. At one point, he asked his old mom to dance and I asked them to play “I Hope You Dance.” He had grown up to be such a fine young man and I was so proud to have a dance with him.
Our next birthday he was in Iraq. We celebrated when he came home on leave a few weeks later. He took me to the movies. I can't even remember what we saw; I just remember how happy I was to have a few moments of his time. We had lasagne and brownies with the family and then he went out to have some fun with his friends, who were throwing him a belated birthday party. Before he went back to Iraq he had me listen to a song called “When I’m Gone,” by 3 Doors Down. It is about the soldiers and their being at war. “Hold me when I'm here and love me when I'm gone” are a few of the words to it. All of us — your brothers, sister and friends — miss you so much. David, my son, my hero, my friend. I loved watching you grow up, miss you now that you're gone and love you forever.
Cactusflower (anonymous) says...
What a beautiful tribute.I am sure God's angels led him to a place where there is no war or sadness, and there he waits for you. God rest his soul and God bless you for raising such a fine young man!
April 3, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthinkin (anonymous) says...
Your sentiments are beautiful & I'm glad you shared them. I don't know you, and I didn't know your son, but I am very sorry for your loss. I'm pleased that you have such wonderful memories to keep - forever. God Bless You and Be With You.
April 3, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pollyanna (anonymous) says...
I'll be hugging my kids a little tighter tonight and thanking God for every minute. Thank you for the reminder and I hope you can find peace through your loss. Thank you for the courage to write this.
April 3, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
trucks_boats (anonymous) says...
What a wonderful young man you raised. May God bless you and your family.
April 3, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hottopics (anonymous) says...
He was very lucky to have you as his mother and you were fortunate to have such a wonderful son, even more wonderful memories. I know he is right there with you, holding you and loving you still. God Bless you both.
April 3, 2008 at 11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
karyle (anonymous) says...
Your story is touching. I am an Army mom. It is heart breaking when our children are over there in that God for saken place. My heart goes out to you and your family. As long as you have happy memories of David he will forever be with you. Take care.
April 4, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporia (anonymous) says...
Very touching tribute to your wonderful son. May God Bless you and wrap His arms around you. Thank you for reminding us of what is truly important in life. Love each other and hold tight to those memories. How lucky your son was to have you and you him.
April 4, 2008 at 7:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jayhawker (anonymous) says...
Thank you so very, very much for the life of your son. I am truly amazed that there are still young men like David Lane who so unselfishly gave of himself for the rest of us. When David arrived at the pearly gates and St. Peter asked what he had done to deserve entry therein, what better answer could St. Peter hear than what he heard from David: "I gave my life in the service of others." My son lost several of his fellows during two deployments, one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, and he has today on his wall these words: "All gave some, but some gave all." Our gratitude and indebtedness to David and his family for his gift and ultimate sacrifice cannot be adequately expressed. God bless you and your wonderful family David Lane. May the light of God forever shine upon you.
April 4, 2008 at 10:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )