Hello my little Montagnard friend. I was watching a movie last evening that bought you back to me.

The moderator near the end of the movie was talking about heroes. He said generals and politicians and regular people need heroes but not regular soldiers like you and I were.  He said soldiers do not fight for medals or to be heroes, but instead for their buddies. 

You were a true hero; you gave your life to save a friend. I’m so sorry that friend had to be me. I would give anything that I had died for you rather than you for me. If only I could turn back the clock.

I wept for you last evening; deep feelings flooded me as I remembered those minutes from years ago. I remember our laughing, our horsing around like we were young kids, our friendship. You were a true friend and I miss you...so very much. I remembered holding your body.

I have asked your forgiveness so many times, I don’t know your response, but knowing you, you laughed and said that it was ok. I carry such guilt my friend and I cannot put it down. Is that my penance for what happened? If so, it is not penance enough, nothing can be.

Forgive me my hero, my true friend.