I feel honored to have carried Austin’s stone a few weeks ago at the Ruck for the Fallen at Pineland Farms. I was part of the Pratt & Whitney Eagles Team and the ruck was such an amazing tribute to these incredible heroes. To see their smiling faces along the path truly made for a memorable event that not only encouraged remembrance but also hope.
Carrying Austin’s stone was such an honor, and I felt called to get a stone that morning, as I had not registered to carry a stone prior to that morning and I thought it was too late to reserve one. I signed up at the table, and when they turned around with Austin’s stone…I was taken aback by two things. First that there was a blue bandana wrapped around it, and secondly that it was a very perfect heart shape.
The volunteer shared a bit about the bandana, and I walked away from the table in a state of surprise. The reason I walked away surprised was because that morning I contemplated wearing a blue bandana to the Ruck. I tied it on, flipped my ponytail in around it and then decided against it because I figured with the obstacles it would simply fall off. I am a true believer of signs, and I felt like this was exactly the way my stone assignment was supposed to unfold.
I am an Air Force Mom and decided to wear my Air Force Mom shirt, not knowing that morning that I would be able to carry the stone of a young man, son, brother, nephew, soldier, and friend. To Austin’s Mom and dad, I do thank you for your service and the support you gave Austin growing up, he truly was a remarkable human and that fact stems from the foundation he was given growing up. While I can’t comprehend the loss of a biological child, we lost my stepson at the age of 18. One thing I do know is that the grieving is never ending and I will pray for solace in those times when the waves are too big to face alone. Know that you have an Army of people remembering Austin at any given moment in time and know that you are not alone.
Thank you for sharing so much about Austin here on this website, and from what I have personally sought out and read online, I am deeply saddened that Austin did not get justice in some form. Please accept my deepest condolences and know that this young man – so full of life and love has forever etched his memory into a corner of my heart that I will never forget. MHANF rings true now and forever.
I am humbly honored to have carried your sweet boys stone & bandana during the Ruck.
To Austin’s Family & Friends,
I feel honored to have carried Austin’s stone a few weeks ago at the Ruck for the Fallen at Pineland Farms. I was part of the Pratt & Whitney Eagles Team and the ruck was such an amazing tribute to these incredible heroes. To see their smiling faces along the path truly made for a memorable event that not only encouraged remembrance but also hope.
Carrying Austin’s stone was such an honor, and I felt called to get a stone that morning, as I had not registered to carry a stone prior to that morning and I thought it was too late to reserve one. I signed up at the table, and when they turned around with Austin’s stone…I was taken aback by two things. First that there was a blue bandana wrapped around it, and secondly that it was a very perfect heart shape.
The volunteer shared a bit about the bandana, and I walked away from the table in a state of surprise. The reason I walked away surprised was because that morning I contemplated wearing a blue bandana to the Ruck. I tied it on, flipped my ponytail in around it and then decided against it because I figured with the obstacles it would simply fall off. I am a true believer of signs, and I felt like this was exactly the way my stone assignment was supposed to unfold.
I am an Air Force Mom and decided to wear my Air Force Mom shirt, not knowing that morning that I would be able to carry the stone of a young man, son, brother, nephew, soldier, and friend. To Austin’s Mom and dad, I do thank you for your service and the support you gave Austin growing up, he truly was a remarkable human and that fact stems from the foundation he was given growing up. While I can’t comprehend the loss of a biological child, we lost my stepson at the age of 18. One thing I do know is that the grieving is never ending and I will pray for solace in those times when the waves are too big to face alone. Know that you have an Army of people remembering Austin at any given moment in time and know that you are not alone.
Thank you for sharing so much about Austin here on this website, and from what I have personally sought out and read online, I am deeply saddened that Austin did not get justice in some form. Please accept my deepest condolences and know that this young man – so full of life and love has forever etched his memory into a corner of my heart that I will never forget. MHANF rings true now and forever.
I am humbly honored to have carried your sweet boys stone & bandana during the Ruck.
In deep reverence,
Andrea Cole