Alex and Honesty

I haven't written about Alex on this blog.   I don't intend to say too much about the two kids I raised for 10 years before my late husband died.   They lived with us full time and I was their mom.   It was not always easy because they both struggled in their own separate ways.   Alex was extremely bright but struggled with ADHD.   Lynley is a beautiful girl with Asperger's and other issues.   It was a challenge for all of us.


Alex surprised me when he joined the Marines.   He was with them for 3 years and served in Iraq.   I was so proud of him and had such hope that he had a direction and a success that would fill him with confidence.   It was not to be.   I don't want anyone to get their panties in a bunch here, but the truth is that the Marines let him down.   They did not deal with his problems effectively.   He fell into a hole and was left with mental issues that his family knew nothing about.   


Family.   That's another long story in and of itself where the kids were concerned.


Alex was left in limbo where his status was concerned.   He was living in an extended leave of sorts.   He was killed in a horrific accident on Mother's Day of this year.   He was a veteran and received a military funeral that was beautiful.   I was proud of him.   My heart hurts for the life cut so short.   I want to honor him today, for Veteran's Day.   But my feelings are probably different from so many others.   Sometimes we know of things that make a big organization like the Marines look a bit tarnished in our eyes.    That's the way it was for my boy.  

Rest in Peace, Alex.   I miss you.