Tonight I want to remember the bravest man I have ever known. Shawn Pahnke was taken from the world 5 years ago tonight while proudly serving our country in Baghdad, Iraq.
We did not know that Shawn had been killed until 6 am June 17, 2003. Our lives were torn apart and would never be the same after that fateful day. I can still so vividly remember the look on that man's face when I went to the door and he told me Shawn had been fatally shot. I don't however remember much more about that morning. Things are a blur of phone calls and visitors and news crews wanting interviews and me sitting in a daze holding my 3 month old little boy who had never even gotten to meet his daddy, thinking this can't be happening, this must be a nightmare.
I was right, it was a nightmare. However I was also wrong, it was really happening. It was our worst nightmare coming true.
While life has gone on, there is not one day that passes that we do not remember Shawn and miss him and mourn the loss of him.
For those reading this who never knew Shawn, I want to tell you about him.
Shawn loved his family more than anything. His parents meant the world to him and he loved his brothers. He loved me, that I have no doubts about at all. And he loved our little boy with everything inside of him even though he never had the chance to hold him.
Shawn loved his friends. He was true and loyal to his friends and was always there when they needed him.
Shawn was proud of being in the military but did hate that it took him away from all that he loved.
Shawn enjoyed bowling, camping, fishing, softball, poetry and music.
Shawn loved life. You could see his love for life just by looking in his eyes. He always had a smile on his face. He made you happy just by being around him.
Those of us who had the privilege of knowing Shawn Pahnke, of loving Shawn Pahnke, and having him love us, We will NEVER forget him.
8 comments:
I wrote to thank you for hoping I was feeling OK. Hey, it was just the flu.
I want you to know how much I appreciate what Shawn, and you, and his little boy have sacrificed for me, and my kids. I cannot thank you all enough.
Melody passed your blog on to me. I also want you to know how much Shawn's sacrifice means to me and my family. Because of him and others like him our families can sleep safely at night. That is a real blessing. I will pray for your family and your healing. God bless you!
Elisha,
We have learned so much about him in the 5 years since you joined MMs and through your strength have also learned that with faith, we CAN go on. I know that you would give anything not to be an inspiration to so many of us out here, but I tell you, my friend, Shawn would be so proud of you and your influence on Dean.
I cannot thank you enough for the sacrifices you and Dean, and Shawn, have made. He will never be forgotten.
Love,
Suel
Thank you.
The gratitude of strangers doesn't lessen the pain, but thank you, anyway.
Elisha,
I don't know you, and I didn't know Shawn, but I am thankful for his service to our country and for your sacrifice. May God bless and keep you and your son.
Thank you so much for Shawn's, and your family's, sacrifice.
Kathy
I want to say thank you. My husband is serving in Iraq and will continue on there until January 2009. He is fighting for your loss... You are living in freedom giving my husband a reason to serve. A very strong circle. One filled with sadness and accomplishments all at once. We are in this together, though I do not know you and didn't know Shawn, I feel the void left to your family and the burdon you carry must be unbearable. Thank you... God Bless... My deepest sympathies. Annabee
Elisha,
This was a beautiful story about Shawn. I know that you will make sure that we all remember Shawn this year every year. He gave the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom. Shawn was the person he was because of you.
God bless you. I know Shawn must be so proud of you and Dean.
Betsy
Post a Comment