The Dreaded Phone Call

jlfletcher83

jlfletcher83

Joined
Dec 22, 2006
Messages
1,277
Yesterday morning I was attending the Mother's Day Services at an area church with my wife and mother. My younger brother, who is also my best friend, is currently a deployed calvary trooper in Mosul, Iraq. We assumed that he would be calling to tell mom happy mothers day, but the phone call was not from him, it was from a First Sergeant of the rear support detail at Ft. Hood saying that my brother was in ICU at a field hospital because his Humvee had been struck by a grenade and he had recieved a severe concussion and more information would follow. We all immediately left church and went home to basically drive ourselves crazy with worry until we found out what was going on. I just left the Army about 2 years ago so I am well versed in the traumatic brain injury cases and I was really getting nervous. Finally my phone rang and it was my brother, the first thing he said was, "how is my nephew"(I have a 2 month old son). He then apologized to mom for getting hurt on mother's day, and said he would call again soon but he had a headache and was going to bed. One of the soldiers in his unit who spent thanksgiving with us this year called a few hours later and told us what happened. I am not going to get into specifics, but we are extremely lucky to still have him alive, and how he managed not to be shredded by shrapnel is attest to the fact that body armor works. I will admit I shed a few tears, threw my breakfast up, and prayed harder than I ever have in my life. He is going to be OK but he will be in the hospital for a few days, but should return to duty within 2 weeks. His unit wants blood, but I want him home. He wants to go back out tomorrow, but thankfully the doctors will prevent that. Guys if you have spare moment today say a prayer for all these soldiers, they need it. They are doing a tough job, for a country that needs stability, but I just want them all home away from IEDs, grenades, bullets, and desert heat. I just want to sit in the garage with my brother and smoke a cigar.
 
I must say that I had a very sinking feeling reading the first few lines of your post. I now feel quite relieved for you after reading the rest. I am very glad to hear that your brother will be ok.

(As far as saying prayers for the troops, I don't know if you know this or care, but Orthodox Jews say a prayer for the troops in Iraq & Afghanistan every Saturday morning at services (in addition to the one said for the Israel Defense Forces).)
 
Wow! Great to hear he is alive. I pray that you two will have cigar time soon, along with other brothers in arms who you become emotionally bonded to. I pray for the troops out there, and wish these countries can get their act together, which seems impossible at times.
 
My neighbors son (who I have watched grow up and become a fine man) came back from his second tour this weekend. It was great to see him.

You brother and all out there putting it on the line are indeed remembered in prayers. Some of us here just do not take things for granted no matter how we lean when it comes to politics.
 
I'm very glad this one had a happy ending. As I was reading it I was thinking about my own brothers and how I would feel if something happened to one of them. Prayers for yours.
 
I'm glad that he is going to be okay. These things really make our petty everyday problems seem like nothing.
 
My boy, I say a prayer for my younger brothers and sisters every single day of every single week of every single year.

It's scary out there.:(
 
If he could use anything while he's healing up let us know. A card, a note...to let him know we're thinking of him....send us his address. I'm sure he'll be glad to get them.
 
Tell your brother Michael Morris says 'Thank You for freedom!'

and get us his addy so we can send him a card or something...
 
That's terrible, but amazing at the same time. As you said, you didn't go into much detail, but surviving a grenade explosion... That's just incredible. Tell him that some guy in Indiana said thanks for his service, and I am very amazed and pleased that he is ready to go back out. That's dedication right there.

God bless him.
 
I had a horrible feeling when I saw the title of the thread. I am so sorry that your brother got hurt. I am sending prayers to you, your brother, and his unit.
 
well he was moved to a different hospital today at Balad Airbase for observation I will get the address up tommorow. They are keeping him in country so that must be a good sign. I really appreciate you guys. The prayers and thoughts are really appreciated. When he gets home next year I will be the happiest man in the world.
 
Prayers for his continued safety. I get queasy at the thought of anything happening to my little brother. I'll be glad when all those guys get to come home.
 
Thank G-d he is ok.....
You must be worried sick.:(
I wish him a speedy recovery, and a safe return to you and your family......
Prayers sent from the bottom of the planet.....
Steven
 
That's terrible. I'm glad he's aliive and pray for a quick recovery.
 
Isn't that just like a soldier to apologize for getting hurt on Mother's Day. :p

Best wishes and a speedy recovery to your brother.
 
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