Posted on 07/26/2006 6:25:37 PM PDT by World_Events
The Velez family is coping with the loss of their second son. Family members were notified Tuesday that 22-year-old Andrew Velez was killed in action in Afghanistan. He is the brother of Freddy Velez who was killed in Iraq in 2004. Freddy was 23-years-old. Father, Roy Velez tells us it's faith, and knowing his boys are in a better place, that keeps him going.
"I can only tell you that it's not easy. It has got to be the most horrific thing that I've ever gone through in my life, and maybe the most exciting thing. When your sons get promoted to heaven, what can I say," said Roy Velez. "I was notified at 12:30 p.m. yesterday (July 25th). The soldier stepped out, and I looked at him until I got up to the door step, and he said we need to talk to your wife also, and I said it's about Andrew and he says lets go inside, and I said no, I don't want to go inside. I said, is my son dead, and he said yes," continued Roy.
"I feel like somebody has taken chains and just raked them through the inside of me, sir. I feel like I am heartless. I'm not angry anymore. If this was destiny, if this was their plan, then so be it. Yesterday (July 25th) was a tremendous shock, and it was like somebody just took a sledge hammer and just hit your heart so hard and knocked me into a deep hole, but today (July 26th), I can see that they are together again as brothers. Their relationship was that of respect and courage and truth and one with out the other wouldn't work, but together now, forever and for eternity, and now it's just my job to get from here to there, and to keep on loving," said Roy.
"I think the only thing that really helps me, that really gets me through this is that somebody out there, somebody in the city of Lubbock, somewhere through our great county is praying me through," added Roy.
That's what Roy and his family ask, to keep his family in prayer. Roy tells us a good friend of Andrew's is bringing him back to the states. That will take around seven to ten days. The family has not set up services yet. We'll let folks know when they do.
I lift this man and his family up in prayer. Father, only You can guide him through this grief. Give him the hope for which he desires; I ask this in Jesus' name...
What can I or anyone say after that? WOW! America loves the Velez family.
"I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts, that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours, to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom."
This family is from my hometown, and my heart is paradoxically bursting with pride and heartbreak. I'll cancel whatever I have to to be at this service.
Amen
and my heart is paradoxically bursting with pride and heartbreak.
I know just what you mean.
to to be at this service
I'll be there in spirit.
Prayers for the young man and his family.
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