In fact, I've just ordered it. It's a Peace Lily in an 8inch pot, to be taken to the funeral home tomorrow. The florist is located in PFC N's home town, so delivery should be timely.
All leftover donated money will be sent to Mrs. N directly, in the names of all the donors, to dispose of as she sees fit.
Now I need your help again, everyone. What should the card say? Is there an appropriate Tolkien quote you'd like for me to include on the card?
I'll continue to take donations and send them to Mrs. N as they come in. And, if you'd like to donate directly to the widow, or send a sympathy card of your own to her, FReepmail me for addresses.
Thank you, one and all, for your generosity and your thoughtfulness.
OKAY very good! Thanks, Hobbit Hole!
I'll think about what to say, but in a group with all these writers, maybe someone else will come up with something better.
I can't think of one directly, but Gandalf's "far green shore" or "what we do with the time that's given us" would work. The free peoples of Middle Earth lost a lot of heroes defending the rest from the mindless hordes of evil, just as we do today. There were lots of good words for good men falling as they protected the rest of us.
On a more cheerful note, I now have a bit more time to talk about my visit with Mrs. S. yesterday. She said Jason had emailed them the day before that their unit got a brand new Buffalo, which is a high-end armored vehicle for IED work. He said it was the latest model, and still had the "new car smell". It even has leather seats and cupholders. He said he has the nicest ride in the Army.
This must be the result of Bush mismanaging the war, and all the criminal lack of equipment for the troops.
Sorry I'm late in responding, I work third shift and don't get on much these days.
My condolences to the family and friends of PFC N.
You sure are popular around here.
Glad to help in some little way!
Hm...for Tolkien quotes, I think Jen is still the resident expert...
Glad to hear that Miss Rose, OB & LSA
I like Gandalf's comments to Frodo, about doing the best we can with the situation with which we're presented. Seems appropriate.