"Sarge", c.Deborah L. Burgess, 1988, from Collection of Thoughts, In Memory of W. H."Shag" Johnson, Jr., Korea, Retired Military

In memory of my Dad, W. H. "Shag" Johnson, Jr.. I wrote this poem for my Dad in 1988. Today I want to share it with my friends and family. The name says it all. Not only on this day, but everyday, I thank those who serve to protect our freedom.

"Sarge"

For those who sent him there to fight,

For all those left behind,

The love of life and liberty,

Stood foremost in his mind.

He didn't want the spotlight,

Or trophy small or large,

His greatest honor was received

When they chose to call him "Sarge".

He served them well, the record tells

As many stepped aside.

For thirty-nine he carried on,

With all honor, and with pride.

The price of freedom freely paid,

He was the best they had

And tho' they'll always call him "Sarge"

I am proud to call him "DAD".

1SG William H. "Shag" Johnson, Jr.

1343 Engineer Battalion (CBI)

© 1988 Deborah L. Burgess

http://www.MemoryPrintsPhotography.com
http//www.YouTube.com/DoDotBurgess

Response To Tom's Birthday Tribute Video

To All Our Family and Many Friends: In reply to the tremendous response we have received about Tom’s Birthday Tribute Video. Birthday Tribute: William Thomas Burgess, May 23, 1975 – June 17, 2006. Although it will be 4 years ago, this June 17, 2010, and 4 years seems like a long time, it still seems like yesterday to us. The loss of a child is an incomparable grief. Friends who have lost children understand completely. God comforts His children in many ways, as only He can. I believe one way He does this is by placing family and friends in our paths, helping to comfort us in our healing process. My family and I are overwhelmed and humbled with the love, compassion, comfort and understanding we have received. One thing I can tell you is the importance of telling your family and friends how much you love them, EVERY TIME you talk with them. Only God knows the time, but it may be the last time you talk with them in this life. God has promised eternal life for all His children and one day our family will be re-united in Heaven and ALL the links will be joined in our family chain. There will be no more death, tears, or grief throughout eternity. What A Day That Will Be! Thank you all again, we, “Love You Big!”

http://www.MemoryPrintsPhotography.com

http://www.YouTube.com/DoDotBurgess

Happy Birthday Tom! We Miss You!

Dear Tom,

Well, I don’t know where to start. I never do. We still are missing you so much that it takes my breath to think about it. You will have been gone 4 years this June 17, 2010, but it still seems like yesterday. Your birthday is today, May 23, 2010, you would have been 35. I know how you loved birthday cake, so I will be sure to eat a piece, with lots of icing, just for you. Every single day you are in my conversations with everyone, all day long. I think about things that you said, or did, or funny faces that you would make. Everything is stored away in our memory banks. I know that you are doing well. I have never doubted that for one minute. I know that while we are down here in hell on earth, you are right there in the Light with God!
You remember the time right before you were saved, that you told me about the light that you saw. I remember that so well. When you told me about it, you said that it was almost unexplainable but so real. I remember actually being with you the night you were saved. Right there on Brother Shannon’s living room couch, in the middle of the night, we prayed and I watched with my own eyes the transformation in your eyes and on your face. With each day that passes now, I see more and more that the things that are shown to us here are for a reason. Someday, we all will know the reasons, just like you now, and we can rejoice in our salvation, together in Heaven!
Some days, I miss you so much, that I pray that God would let you come back for just 5 minutes, just for that little amount so I could tell you how I feel in person. But, I know that is selfish on my part, for I would never bring you back to this awful place. I know that someday I will have forever to talk with you and that is God’s answer to my prayers. He knows my heart and He knows that I am hurting. I made a video for you and put your favorite songs on it. I loved to hear you sing and sometimes when everything is really quite, I close my eyes and can almost hear you voice again. I know now you are singing for God and I will hear you sing again! Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!
I hold in my heart the last three words that you said to me, the night before you left for your glorious journey….LOVE YOU BIG! The sound of your voice still echoes in my mind and in my heart.
I am leaving you a package today. I bought a simple Alabama bracelet, tied a knot and wore it through a trip with Melanie, Holli, and Abby to Gulf Shores and through the cheerleading competitions, through Alabama winning every ballgame and then the National Championship. I thought about you everytime I looked at it. Nothing special, just a little cloth bracelet, one like you liked. I wore it for you. You couldn’t be there with us, so I am sending cherished memories to you with this bracelet. This would probably seem crazy to some people, but I do it with nothing but love in my heart. Somehow, deep down, I know that you and Big Pop, and the Bear himself were watching right up there in Heaven! God is bringing you family every day. By now you have seen Uncle Eddie and Misty's husband, Bruce, Uncle Johnny, and remember Virginia, Tammy's mother. Hug them all for me and tell Mamaw Doyce and Big Pop that I will see you all soon! LOVE YOU BIG!
http://www.MemoryPrintsPhotography.com
http://www.YouTube.com/DoDotBurgess