This morning began like any other. I kissed Rob goodbye as he left for work, and for some reason this morning I hugged him extra close and said, "be careful, I love you." I went on about my day. Today my biggest concern was getting an "A" on a final that I had this afternoon. My biggest concern suddenly changed when I got a call from one of Rob's colleagues-- he said there had been an accident. I jerked my car off of the road and tried to listen to the jumble of words that he was saying. I finally understood that Rob was flying behind the apache that had an accident and he was okay. Unfortunately, his fellow Dutch instructor pilot was not. Captain R. van de Perre died on impact of the crash.
After hearing the news I got on post as fast as I could and sat in shock with the rest of the instructor wives. I didn't (and still don't) know what to do with myself, what to feel, what to say. I only know that I am thankful that my husband got to come home tonight, but I feel so f*cking selfish that I get to have him home and his wife doesn't. WHY WHY WHY? I'm angry, overwhelmingly sad, and hurting. Hurting for what my husband and his friends experienced, hurting for the loss of a great pilot, hurting for his family....
Rob and the other pilots involved in today's terrible accident are home now. It's going to be a long grieving process for everyone involved, and I ask you all to keep everyone in the apache community at Ft. Rucker in your hearts for the coming days.
Tell your loved ones that you love them, hug them a little bit tighter, and be thankful for everyday that you have because you never know when it will be your last.
Rest In Peace, Richard. You will be greatly missed.
Whitney, I've been keeping up with your family for a while now via your blog. You know, as a fellow military wife, how much this stings for me, too. Prayers to all of you. We had a very close call as well, in March, when my husband's Howitzer exploded and sent 11 to the hospital, 2 of which are still in serious condition. It is such a wake up call and I understand the feelings of selfishness you're feeling. It's totally normal. We get too comfortable thinking they're "safe" when on US (or Dutch) soil. Thinking of you all. Please let me know if I can do anything!
ReplyDeleteDear Whitney
ReplyDeleteDon't know what to say... When I saw the news I thought about you, Rob, Max and Lucas and I prayed that Rob was save. And dear Whit please dont see yourself as selfish ofcourse we always want to keep our loved ones save. Just try to be there for Richards wife and treasure (and i'm so sure you always do) the lovely family that you have.
I will pray for Richard that he will be save in heaven. And I hope that his family and the apache community will find a way to overcome this terrible tragedy.
hugs Sam (holland)