It can take up to three weeks to get his body back....

[Th1onein]

And, even then, we have to have a closed casket funeral. They are sending, you see, "the majority" of his body back. The pieces that can be retrieved and identified as his body parts.

Thanks, Boosh!

[BuelahWitch]

1. I am so sorry! Your family is in my prayers

:cry:

[pecwae]

2. I am so sorry.

I'm holding his mother tightly. I know the pain of losing a child; it defies description.

[Pied Piper]

3. I am so sorry for your loss

Words can't even begin to explain the pain you and your family are suffering. Godspeed.

[malaise]

4. Deepest sympathy n/t

[hashibabba]

5. I'm so sorry to hear about this Th1onein. My thoughts and

prayers go with you and your family.

[uppityperson]

6. I am so sorry.

It may sound trite, but I am just so sorry you have to go through this.

[Squatch]

7. I hate to be impertinent, but where are you planning on burying him?

If you choose, Arlington cemetery is a beautiful, solemn place where he can rest with his brothers and sisters in arms.

[Th1onein]

13. We are from Galveston County, Texas

A Democratic stronghold, by the way.

We are burying him in Galveston County. Because of some of the comments on this board, though, I am not going to make the location public. Our family doesn't need any problems, at this juncture.

[Squatch]

14. Well, my only advice to you

make use of all the resources that the military has for families of deceased servicemembers. If you need a place to start, call:

Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio) Casualty/Mortuary assistance: [phone]

I am deeply sorry for your loss.

[Th1onein]

19. The Army is taking care of it's own, in this case.

They came again, today, and gave us more details. And our family was notified within HOURS of Nathan's death. They said they will have honor guards, etc., for the funeral. They also said that our family will not have to deal with any nutcases, like Phelps and his crew. They are very supportive, bless their hearts.

[barbtries]

8. the horrors pile up...

i am so sorry that any family must learn this horror. i am so sorry that nathan was killed. i doubt if this is a comfort but perhaps you can try to recall that what is in the casket is not Nathan: it is only what remains of his mortal vehicle.

my daughter was killed by a hit and run driver; we never saw her again . we didn't get to say good-bye. we memorialized her in a chapel before the closed casket, upon which we put a picture of her when she was still alive, vital and beautiful. that was over five years ago and i still go to the cemetery to be next to her bones. when i march against this fucking war i do it wearing the skechers bekah's killer pulled her out of that night. bekah's spirit, her love, lifts my feet.

try to meditate, just breathe. there is very much love around you, even Nathan's. peace.

[SoCalDem]

12. Hugs to you too , barb.. My best friend's 24 yr old son was killed in a car accident

and the horror of horrors was when i went with her to the funeral home. The ^%$#*%$@ place had the damned door open, and we could see jeff's body on the table.. I saw the door open, and got up to close it, but she glimpsed his body before i could shut the door..

It's been 5 years now, and every so often i say his name by accidnet when I mean his brother and we both cry a bit..You never get over the loss of a child..even if they are almost grown :cry:

[Crunchy Frog]

9. Speechless.

:cry:

[Libby2]

10. I'm so, so, sorry.

[democrank]

11. I`m crying.

Rest in peace, Nathan.

[Blue Diadem]

15. Oh Th1onein, I'm so sorry

:hug:

My heart breaks for you and all of Nathan's family.

[DemReadingDU]

16. I am so sorry

thinking of you and your family

[spanone]

17. So sad. So sad.

:grr:

[eridani]

18. This is just horrible!

:cry: Much love to you and your family.

[fortyfeetunder]

20. I am so sorry...

This is probably news no loved one wants to hear. I am so sorry this is happening to your family.

:hug:

[roguevalley]

21. oh god. this is appalling. I am so sorry.

[Nite Owl]

22. I'm so sorry

Prayers for you and your family.

[ThomCat]

23. I'm very sorry.

:(

:hug:

[Phentex]

24. I hate that you have to go through this...

I am so very sorry. It's wrong and it's painful. :hug:

[CrispyQ]

25. My sympathies.

:hug:

[knitter4democracy]

26. How amazingly painful.

It's horrible, all of it. Where's the closure, then? Why so dang long? Why this horror and heartbreak? All of this crap for what again?

Horrifying. I am so very sorry.