JAMarine
12-04-05, 11:26 PM
Hello all and please allow me to share the visit I had today with L/Cpl Shawn Seeley and Family.
I've awaited this chance for some time. Visits to the injured are always ackward at first for me but this time was different. I've know Shawn here on this web site for more than a year now.
As I stepped into the door I was welcomed by his Father, Charles and his Mother Robin. As I scanned the room I noticed Amanda coming out of a door halfway down the hall pulling Shawn in his wheelchair into the hallway. As he was turned toward the living room and saw me I don't believe I've ever seen a bigger smile on any mans face. I can't express the feeling I had at that moment. The feeling of relief knowing he was alive and OK, the true Blessing it is to have him home with his Family and what a humbling experience for me to be in the presence of such a Young Warrior that has been done and seen so much in such a short period of time.
We talked about his present condition and the plans for the immediate future. He showed me all (or most of) his scars and told me of his injuries. He told me of how he hopes to be able to be of use to the Corps at least to finish out his 4 years.
He told me the stories of the people who have visited him in MD. and the gifts he has received. At one point Charles got up and went into the dinning room and brought back and showed me the "Iwo Jima Sand" given to Shawn by MarineMom. He told me of when his Marine Corps Colors arrived from Leatherneck and how proud he was eventhough he was in so much pain. Robin and Amanda laughed about how they had to balance to mount the Flag on the devider curtain and eventually onto the window curtain and how the sunlight coming through hallowed the room with color.
Then I asked him THE QUESTION. Exactly what happened. He started from the beginning and took me step by step through his ordeal. Everything from having a disagreement with an Army Soldier (not moving the Soldiers vehicle), to having to detour around them and having to move down adjacent streets attempting to get where they were suppose to be, to starting down a deserted dusty sideroad. Shawn told me he knew from the moment his vehicle started down that road something was going to happen. He told me instantly he hunkered down low in his turret position. Most may not know this and I am not going to tell the story (I hope Shawn with put that into his own words on this site someday) but Shawn actually lived through not only 1 IED Explosion that day,,,,, he lived through 3 separte ones. He also told me a story about Doc Randall.
All I have to say is; "What a Story". & "Where do Young Warriors like this come from"?
It was an honor for me to spend time with L/Cpl Seeley today. The visit brought a rededication of myself to help others in my daily life as well as at this site. As far as I'm concerned Shawn Seeley has secured his place in History as one of this Nations most respected and one of the greatest Warriors to have taken the Battlefield for this Great Country. He is a Hallmark of our Corps legacy.
I understand that Shawn may be released from the Hospital here in the Puget Sound by the end of the week. This will mean he will be on convalescent leave at home for a period of time. I look forward to getting together with him again and again real soon.
Thanks
rich
I've awaited this chance for some time. Visits to the injured are always ackward at first for me but this time was different. I've know Shawn here on this web site for more than a year now.
As I stepped into the door I was welcomed by his Father, Charles and his Mother Robin. As I scanned the room I noticed Amanda coming out of a door halfway down the hall pulling Shawn in his wheelchair into the hallway. As he was turned toward the living room and saw me I don't believe I've ever seen a bigger smile on any mans face. I can't express the feeling I had at that moment. The feeling of relief knowing he was alive and OK, the true Blessing it is to have him home with his Family and what a humbling experience for me to be in the presence of such a Young Warrior that has been done and seen so much in such a short period of time.
We talked about his present condition and the plans for the immediate future. He showed me all (or most of) his scars and told me of his injuries. He told me of how he hopes to be able to be of use to the Corps at least to finish out his 4 years.
He told me the stories of the people who have visited him in MD. and the gifts he has received. At one point Charles got up and went into the dinning room and brought back and showed me the "Iwo Jima Sand" given to Shawn by MarineMom. He told me of when his Marine Corps Colors arrived from Leatherneck and how proud he was eventhough he was in so much pain. Robin and Amanda laughed about how they had to balance to mount the Flag on the devider curtain and eventually onto the window curtain and how the sunlight coming through hallowed the room with color.
Then I asked him THE QUESTION. Exactly what happened. He started from the beginning and took me step by step through his ordeal. Everything from having a disagreement with an Army Soldier (not moving the Soldiers vehicle), to having to detour around them and having to move down adjacent streets attempting to get where they were suppose to be, to starting down a deserted dusty sideroad. Shawn told me he knew from the moment his vehicle started down that road something was going to happen. He told me instantly he hunkered down low in his turret position. Most may not know this and I am not going to tell the story (I hope Shawn with put that into his own words on this site someday) but Shawn actually lived through not only 1 IED Explosion that day,,,,, he lived through 3 separte ones. He also told me a story about Doc Randall.
All I have to say is; "What a Story". & "Where do Young Warriors like this come from"?
It was an honor for me to spend time with L/Cpl Seeley today. The visit brought a rededication of myself to help others in my daily life as well as at this site. As far as I'm concerned Shawn Seeley has secured his place in History as one of this Nations most respected and one of the greatest Warriors to have taken the Battlefield for this Great Country. He is a Hallmark of our Corps legacy.
I understand that Shawn may be released from the Hospital here in the Puget Sound by the end of the week. This will mean he will be on convalescent leave at home for a period of time. I look forward to getting together with him again and again real soon.
Thanks
rich