For my son, Marine SSgt Joseph Fankhauser (EOD tech)
KIA 4-22-2012
By Mary Wyscarver
She remembers as a boy, tanks and guns were his toys,
In her mind she always knew, he'd be among the chosen few.
Joined the Marines right out of school, tried to live by the golden
rule, Four times in Iraq on foreign land, two more tours in Afghanistan.
Answering his country's call, all gave some but some gave all, It's been
twelve years since nine eleven, now he's guarding the gates of heaven.
His mother prayed every day, that evil would not come his way,
Not just for him but others too, for those who serve red, white, & blue.
Boxes packed for all the troops, yellow ribbons tied up in loops,
Bumper stickers on the car, flew the flag in her front yard.
Reminded others: Don't forget, POWs aren't found yet,
It's been twelve years since nine eleven, now he's guarding the gates of
heaven.
After church one day in spring, she would hear the doorbell ring,
Uniformed men that numbered three, that's when her heart fell to her
knees.
She cries softly by the stone, God is near – she's not alone,
She sees blank walls awaiting names, knows other fates will be the same.
It's not over for you see, Freedom is NOT free, It's been twelve years
since nine eleven, now they're ALL guarding the gates of heaven.