When the war in Iraq hits home

KIA Oct. 22, 2006 in Baghdad

KIA Oct. 22, 2006 in Baghdad

KIA Oct. 22, 2006 in Baghdad

It's like a mantra that repeats itself over and over again.  A friend of mine - someone I have known since 6th grade, was killed in action in Baghdad last week.  It has hit close to home.  Heidelbergers are a close knit group.  We hate each other, we fight like siblings and we love to gossip about one another.  When one of our group is killed, we close ranks and support each other.  It is a great family to be a part of.  Not many of this elite group "grew up" in H-berg.  Many rotated out after a few years, mostly back to the states but they still hold a place in this ragtag lot.  David was one of the core group.  I knew him as the class clown.  Very funny, cutting wit and humor.  He stabbed me with a pencil.  Okay so he didn't really stab me but in 7th grade he was teasing me about something and I went to smack him on the behind and well he had a very sharp pencil pointing out of his pocket.  It landed in the palm of my hand, lot's of blood and he turned ashen.  I don't think it was from the blood, David was tough, but more from my pain and crying (I was not so tough).  He was very sweet and that is David in a nutshell.  We lost touch after College and from time to time I would hear what a great guy he still was.  I see photos of his baby and his wife and he is just beaming.

Not a single person can say anything bad about David.  He was ever the politican. He belonged to no one group.  His sense of humor is what I remember the most.  He would always tell me "Gebhard, you crazy and have a twisted sense of humor but at least you can laugh at yourself." 

Unfortunately I suspect that David will not be the last person I know to lose his life in this war but he is the first.  It is a senseless death and still I could not be prouder of him. 

I have been most fortunate to have many Heidelberg Alumni in my life.  One of them married my best friend.  One lives a street away and is married to the coolest wife possible.  Another is crazy and married someone even crazier then himself.  And another long lost friend has found his sanity.  And one can't find her way back.  We are a great bunch of people - and you see it if you belong to the circle, and thank god I do!  The reunions are now a thing to look forward too and I can't wait for the next one.  It is becoming all the more important to enjoy the people who have helped shape our lives for the good and the bad. 

Comments

[Melissa]

Hey girl. I was so sorry to hear about your friend David. You're absolutely right, his unfortunate death was senseless, but your beautiful, poignant tribute and rememberance of him is what makes those who grieve find a little peace in their heart.

I will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers, and both you and Mike.

[Donna]

Hey Melissa - thanks. David was definately special and his death has affected alot of us. It makes this war even more senseless.

[Leah Speckhard]

hey donna! i'm so so sorry about your friend. that's horrible. I can't believe how many have died since the start of the war... and unfortunately for things that haven't shown much progress. anyways, wanted to say that i miss you and was so jealous that my mom got to see you guys! i have still never met logan, crazy. she's adorable though in all of the pictures and i have heard only wonderful things:) hope i see you soon. oh and i could also relate to the tight knit nature of schools overseas - so I can imagine it's even harder. I will be thinking of you!! and praying for his family. take care and lots of love!Leah