Don’t Ever Put Down The Pen!

On Tuesday, Marti, her brother Roy and I traveled to the State House in Annapolis at the invitation of Governor Martin O’Malley. It was a bright and frigid day in December, the first sunny day in many weeks. Our son Scott was to receive the Patriot Medal Award in honor of Maryland’s fallen heroes. In addition to Scott, there were 25 others who were to receive the award. Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Firefighters. Police and Paramedics were honored that day. All gave their lives so we can live the way we do.

 

I noticed that among the names in the program was Sgt. Princess Samuels, 22, of Mitchellville, Maryland. She was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. She was killed in hostile action in Taji four days after Scott died. I remember reading in the Metro section about her service at Arlington. It was just a few days after Scott’s service in August and the images and emotions of that day are still fresh in my mind and heart. I know how the family felt. So many people don’t and that’s OK, but I know what her parents were feeling.
When Princess’s name was called we watched to see which of her family would be there. A lone, pretty woman rose and accepted the medal and posed for the photo. After the awards ceremony the Governor invited everyone to enjoy some refreshments and meet the families of the other honorees. I stood and looked around for the woman so I could speak to her and saw Marti already heading in her direction. Separately we were both thinking the same thing, we do that a lot. The emotions of that day at Arlington rushed back to all of us as Marti took her hand, introduced herself and explained that Scott and Princess are beside each other at Arlington. The lady told us that she was Princess’ Aunt, and that she had promised herself that she wouldn’t cry, but none of us quite made it. We promised to “say hello” to Princess whenever we go to sit and visit with Scott. They are now neighbors forever in the garden we never wanted them in.