Memories of Garry Lee Matthews (6)

Today is the day we honor each and every man and woman who has fought to keep our country free. Your memorial is now final as they have your name for all to see. This was a difficult day as I remember all you have sacrificed for your country and for your family. You have lived your life with amazing courage and inner strength. You were sent to Vietnam during a time when the people of our country were not supportive. A build-up of Marine forces took place and actions around Khe Sanh commenced when the Marine base was isolated. During a series of desperate actions that lasted 77 days, Khe Sanh Combat Base and the hilltop outposts around it were under constant North Vietnamese ground, artillery, mortar, and rocket attacks. You were not able to retrieve the ammunition and food drops due to the danger. Your peers became your shadows because they felt you were protected. In your heart, you did not expect to make it out. The sound of Huey's, helicopters, were music to your ears. You shared that all of a sudden the sky was full of the Huey helicopters and you knew you would be coming home. I remember one night when you heard one in the sky and we rushed out to see and hear it - it was still music to your ears! You received many medals and you also received the Navy Commendation Medal for meritorious service in various capacities with the Third Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. It turns out this was just a temporary home for you - God needed you to be home with Him. Your courage was very apparent during your fight with pancreatic cancer. Never a complaint - always a smile! I love you more today than yesterday and I will love you more tomorrow. I miss you

Garr Garr,

I was just thinking about how you made me laugh. Your sense of humor was something special. Hey, have you met any new souls from India there lately? I think the brother was looking for you. I am pretty sure they are back already. I know you would get it.

Today is your birthday and I miss you so much! We are all releasing ballons today in honor of the love in our hearts for you. You are truly a special person and I am so blessed that you chose me to be your wife. Looking back I now see how you were so busy getting every thing in place for me. You were absolutely right when you told me that I am not as tough as I thought I was. I love you so much and every part of my body aches with that love. We were so blessed to be able to share so many experiences. Coming through the door after work to hear you say "I am glad your home" and "I Love You" is one of my favorite memories. Not a day passed that you didn't tell me that I was beautiful and how much you loved me. I miss you so much! This is diffenently my greatest challenge of this life. I know it is God's plan and he needed you to come home. I sing to you every day from my heart and the song I sing to you the most is "Look For Me" - I know we will be together again. The love we share is our gift from God. Our families merged into one - as they are our kids and our grand kids. Each of them struggles every day with being here without you. As you already know, I will be there for each and every one of them. I love them all so much and our connection is truly special. We are your family and you are our "Hero!"

Your are missed from afar even, and know that I appreciated every bit of advice you gave to me as well as your hugs. Your kids will carry your legacy forever with them and I am praying for them as well. There's nothing worse than losing a parent....

I love you, thinking about you every day

Gar Gar Well tomorrows the big day. I am not looking forward to it. I miss you. Mom misses you. We all miss you. All this planning is all going to be over. All that busyness was good to ease our loss. Now we are left without you. Only were not, we still have Mindy, Kristy, Robbie. We still have your brothers and sisters. Gar Gar I know you see us. I know you know how great they have all been. You have such a wonderful family, so I Thank You for sharing them with us. I thank you especially for making my mom sooooo happy. Send down your love, she needs it. Watch over us and we'll see you in heaven.
Love Rose