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A Marine Major, Running Fool, and All-Around Smart-Ass.

Thursday, April 27, 2006

It's Hard To Claim A Bad Night's Sleep Ever Again



The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag.

Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. "I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it," she said. "I think that's what he would have wanted."

posted by Viper @ 4/27/2006  

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10 Comments:

  • At 8:14 PM, Blogger Killjoy said…

    You know, it's a little odd, but probably something I would do. Then again, I'd hate for it to get out that I snore.

     

  • At 8:41 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    ". . .
    Here's health to you and to our Corps
    Which we are proud to serve;
    In many a strife we've fought for life
    And never lost our nerve.
    If the Army and the Navy
    Ever look on Heaven's scenes,
    They will find the streets are guarded
    By United States Marines."

     

  • At 8:51 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Not couting Navy SEALS, Marines are the best fighters in the world. This posting of a Marine standing guard over a fallen Marine and his wife exemplifies what makes Marines great. It is no wonder that they are chosen to be the face of our military at embasy's all over the world.

     

  • At 6:40 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Yep, that's the one. Darn it, Jason, I'm sitting here at my desk crying my eyes out.

    There are a few pictures (like the one of Sgt Rocke weeping at Regan's funeral) that just capture the entire essence of the best of the Corps. This in another one. I would love to know the thoughts of the man doing the Honor Guard.

     

  • At 7:58 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I saw this write up & photos a while ago. Very powerful....and very sad.
    It was nicely done by the media - I thought it was respectful and moving.
    S/F

     

  • At 6:26 PM, Blogger Viper said…

    Killjoy, you define "odd" so you'll notice no one is all that surprised. And as far as snoring, I would think that the peeing would be of more concern to you.

     

  • At 6:28 PM, Blogger Viper said…

    Karla, the Marine standing guard is probably thinking of his brother in the casket. And probably how it could very easily be him lying in there. And without question about the poor woman on the floor.

     

  • At 7:43 PM, Blogger Killjoy said…

    You know, looking at this picture some more...all I can think of is "God, I would die." How do you ever pick yourself up and go on? I never want to have to answer that question.

     

  • At 9:55 PM, Blogger Karla (ThreadBndr) said…

    Killjoy, you go on because of your child(ren). You go on because that is what he would want for you. Walt was 43 when he died. I STILL feel like half my soul is missing.

    Even though he was out of the Corps (by all of a week) when I met him, he was a cop for 19 of the 21 years we were married. I know what waiting for that knock on the door is like. (Yes, the police, state troopers, firefighters do that, too.)

    I pray you never have to answer that question either. But you'll find a well of strength. There were days in the beginning where the only thing that kept me on my feet was 'you will NOT shame his memory'.

    Those of us who love warriors are stronger than we know. There is steel in our backbones to match our mates, even when we aren't aware of it.

     

  • At 1:01 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    "...and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept."



    I'm never going to get over that...

    Mez~

     

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