Huge Thanks to my Friends here

[sffreeways]

Hi Folks,

It's been awhile. As most of you know my 21 year old son David was murdered May 4th of last year. When this terrible tragedy befell my family and I we were devastated and will never be the same without his wonderful smile and gentle nature in our lives. My son was everything I'd always hoped he would be. Firefighter of the year, Eagle Scout, Lt. Civil Air Patrol, Student of the year in High School, Ltcpl USMC Honorably discharged after serving his country proudly in Operation Enduring Freedom. After the Marine Corp he returned home to become a Lt. in the Fire Dept. he left to serve his country. He was interested in politics like his Mom and even had the good fortune of shaking Bill Clintons hand when he was in High School. He gave and gave and gave to his family his country and his community.

When I lost him I was lost and I came here to let my friends know, some of you have even met him at a DU meeting. When all of this happened I was out of work and struggling and had David's things in storage but had no way to pay the fee and was going to loose all of his things to auction. Thanks to the kindness of a DU'er that did not happen. And thanks to the kindness of so many of you here I have survived this terrible event. I recieved so many kind notes and so much compassion from my friends here. I wanted to say thank you again to crew and to Gloria and Jitterbug, a special thanks to Gloria for lending me the money so I could get David's most precious things, his awards, his uniforms, his teddy bear. Gloria, I have something for you :) . Please drop me a line.

I have been so fortunate to meet so many wonderful people here and I want you all to know how grateful I am.

The trial begins on March 8th. I'll be sure and let everyone know how things go. Wish me luck one more time, this will be very difficult as well. For now the worst is over. I'll never forget my wonderful boy or my incredible friends here at DU.

Hopefully, I'll be able to get involved again and spend some time back here at DU. I'm going back home to SF after the trial. PA has too many ugly memories. When I get there ya'll can count on me to be back here at DU again.

[proud patriot]

1. Miss You SF

:loveya: thanks so much for checking in :loveya:

[seventhson]

2. My prayers are with you

It is good to know that DUers care.

This IS a community of many likeminded people despite some of our differences.

I think we share a love and concern for our fellow human beings that far outweighs our differences.

I am glad the folks here helped comfort you and we look forward to you coming back to be in this community.

May you continue to have some measure of peace knowing the world is not all full of bad people.

[5thGenDemocrat]

3. Hi sff

Been thinking about you.
John
And I'm glad to hear things are getting a little better for you.

[terray]

4. Thoughts and Prayers for your family

I don't know you, but want you to know that I will send a prayer for your family during this horrible time.
(((hugs)))

[arcane1]

5. long time no hear, SFF

I'm sorry that things have been so terrible since we last saw you :(

You will still have us here when you return! :grouphug:

[buddhamama]

6. you have me in tears, Cat

i have missed you and, have been greatly concerned for you.

it is a great relief to hear from you
and a tremendous pleasure too.

i think of you often
and David too.

lean on us

all my love! :loveya:

many blessings
love,
Cheryl

[sffreeways]

21. I missed you too

thanks for the note, I wondered where you were...

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

7. Please use us during the trial

we will be here for you as that will be tantamount to going through it all over again.

Thanks for keeping us updated.

Hope you felt some warmth come over you at the holidays as you were in our thoughts on this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=589304#589799

[Kamika]

8. ok sorry about your son

this post initially had a question about what operation freedom was that he fought in if it was afgh or Iraq but for some reason ppl didn't like me asking it so I'll just write that I'm really sorry for you and I hope whoever is guilty gets punished.

He seemed to have been a really really great guy. So It's really sad

[buddhamama]

11. your post doesn't be long here

Cat's son David wasn't killed in any military operation
but was murdered by a so-called "friend".

[Kamika]

13. yes I am aware of that

she wrote it in her post

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

16. Thanks,

and afghanistan

[sffreeways]

18. If I can answer your question

David never served over seas but was severly injured in combat training in Fla. and thus was an honorably discharged veteran before being sent. He had 7 surgeries in San Diego and when he returned from the USMC he went back to fighting fires. He joined the military during the Clinton admin and we never thought he would see combat, not the combat that followed 911. But like many young Americans that found themselves in the military after the coup he served with honor. We... David, my partner and I, were never pro war.

[WilliamPitt]

9. ((((((((((((((((((((HUG)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

SO nice to see you here again.

[sffreeways]

19. Hey WP

Good to see you my friend :)

[patdem]

10. sffreeways...when I saw your name I realized I missed you!

and I recall your son's horrible murder. How very horrible that was. I only wish I had known about your trying times afterward. I guess I just was not in the Lounge enough to know you were suffering once again. I am glad things are getting better for you, though your life will never be the same. :grouphug: :hug:

[hlthe2b]

12. You've been through so much that it seems selfish to say we miss having

you here. But, we do. I'm very happy to hear how helpful the support you've received from your DU family. But, I also hope that you have plenty of family and friends there with you in person, and on a daily basis, to help you during this difficult period.

In the meantime, you are in my prayers. I sincerely hope that the strength you gain in going through this horrible episode in your life will help you to regain the next chapter of your life and to have a very bright future. I'm quite certain, based on your description of David, that he would have wished this for you as well. We'll look forward to having you back on a regular basis whenever you can. All the best, SFF

[Limbought]

14. I'm so very sorry about the loss of your son,

I hope the guilty person(s) is brought to justice.

[JitterbugPerfume]

15. (((((((HUG))))))

it is so good to hear from you. We love you , and miss you

[sffreeways]

20. Love you too JP

Thanks for the emails they kept me goin

[Ramsey]

17. Very good to see you!

What a terrible time for you, I am so sorry. I am glad people here at DU could help in any way, small or significant.

[VelmaD]

22. We're all thinking of you

and hoping for the best for you.

*lots and lots of hugs your direction*

[Bake]

23. Be strong, and know that we are with you in spirit

and those of us who pray are praying for you. God bless.

Bake

[Dees]

24. The very best for you sf. I have been

off this board for a long time as well. I have been wondering where you have been. Was not aware of your tragedy. I'm sorry.

Some years back when I first posted here you were very encouraging for me. You have always been one of my favs here. Take good care of yourself and hope to see around as soon as possible.

[NightTrain]

25. SF, I don't believe we've crossed paths before.

As such, this is the first I've heard about your tragedy. But my heart certainly goes out to you. Good luck in the upcoming trial!

[Crewleader]

26. Very Nice To See You Here Sffreeways

you have been very missed! Thanks for the update on the court date and letting us know of your future plans.
Sounds great you returning to SF and my prays are with you while you go through this trial. Like some have suggested please keep us all informed and post more when you feel up to it.

You get a big hug from me!:hug:
Love ya friend, it's good seeing you...:loveya:

Thanks buddhamama for the heads up on our dear friend!:hug: :loveya:

[blondeatlast]

27. Glad you are back. Prayers being sent for your comfort.

:hug:

[Lydia Leftcoast]

28. Good to see you, sffreeways!

Thank you for the update, and I wish you strength and courage in the coming days.

:grouphug:

[Pithlet]

29. I'm so glad to hear from you again.

My heart just broke for you and your family when that happened, and I think of you often. I have two young boys, and I just can't even begin to imagine what you've been through. No parent should ever have to go through that.

I'm so glad you were able to get his stuff. Wishing you much luck with the trial.

[Mandate My Ass]

30. You're one brave, strong DUer

and I'm glad to see you back here. Keep up that strength and let us know what we can do for you during the trial. All the best to you, sffreeways. :grouphug:

[Aristus]

31. My heart aches, sff. With sadness for your son,

and joy at your return. I don't have the words, except to say that we love you, are overjoyed at your return, proud of the DUers who were there for you in your time of need, and thankful for your son's life and memory.

I'm so glad you're back. :loveya:

[soleft]

32. I look forward to seeing you back and will keep you in my thoughts

:hug:

[Shananigans]

34. God Bless You...

I'm glad that you found the DU such a strong support... It's comforting to know, lest someone ever need them...

[KG]

33. good to see you're back.

:)

[Pale Blue Dot]

35. Anything you need, sffreeways.

I'm in Southeastern PA, so keep me in mind if there's anything you need while in the state.

[Terwilliger]

36. Hello SFF!!

Good to hear from you! Be well!