Devon Gibbons 

 A True Story, Poems, Prayers, Songs

     At least one has written a poem for Devon, and in anticipation of more things like this we will post them here.  Please send any prayers, pictures, thoughts, or words of comfort and support, poems, songs, etc. to devonsourhero@wethegibbons.org. I will post them for Devon and his family and friends.

An Encouraging True Story!

(Submitted by Satira Fitzgerald)
A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar  from its hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully.  Three times, even.  The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door. She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise.  Nothing.  She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it! "And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice.  I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages," he said without waiting for a reply to his question.
"Well, I want to talk to you about my brother," Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone.  "He's really, really sick... and I want to buy a miracle."  " I beg your pardon?" said the pharmacist.
" His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now.  So how much does a miracle cost?" "We don't sell miracles here, little girl.  I'm sorry but I can't help you," the pharmacist said, softening a little. "Listen, I have the money to pay for it.  If it isn't enough, I will get the rest.  Just tell me how much it costs." The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man.  He stooped down and asked the little girl, "What kind of a miracle does your brother need?"" I don't know," Tess replied with her eyes welling up.  I just know
he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation.  But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my  money." " How much do you have?" asked the man from Chicago. "One dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered barely audibly." And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to." Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man. "A dollar and eleven
cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers. "He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said "Take me to where you live.  I want to see your brother and meet your parents.  Let's see if I have the miracle you need."
That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.
That surgery," her Mom whispered. "was a real miracle.  I wonder how much it would have cost?" Tess smiled.  She knew exactly how much a miracle cost...one dollar and eleven cents ...  plus the faith of a little child. In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need..
A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a
higher law..

MY OATH TO YOU...

When you are sad.....I will dry your tears.

When you are scared.....I will comfort your fears.

When you are worried.....I will give you hope.

When you are confused.....I will help you cope.

And when you are lost....And can't see the light, I shall be your
beacon.....Shining ever so bright.

This is my oath.....I pledge till the end.
Why you may ask?.....Because you're my friend.
Signed: GOD

An Open Letter to the Fathers of our Troops!

We all want to thank you fathers, (those who have sons and daughters in uniform). It is because of the examples you have set for them that they are sacrificing, (or have sacrificed) to great measure, so that we can live free from the constant fear of terror which so many in the world live under. It was your lives which have impacted them deeply enough to compel them to risk their lives, so that we might live. It is the example our Savior came to demonstrate to the world, and your kids are acting it out in an indescribably powerful and tangible way.

I hope you are proud today. Proud of you kids, (our heroes). Proud of your country. Proud of the fact that you have done something powerfully right and good in what you have imparted to these young warriors, your sons and daughters. Please accept our thanks. Please have a blessed and happy Fathers Day. And please allow yourself some time today to reflect on the successes you have obviously had in your part in molding their lives. It is powerful. And it is  appreciated.

All Who Support our Troops

A Song That Fits Devon, and many of our Warriors in Arms

(submitted by a supporter)

I’m just tryin’ to be a father, raise a daughter and a son
Be a lover to their mother, everythin’ to everyone
Up and at ‘em bright and early, I’m all business in my suit
Yeah I’m dressed up for success, from my head down to my boots
I don’t do it for money, there’s bills I that I can’t pay
I don’t do it for the glory, I just do it anyway
Providing for our future’s, my responsibility
Yeah I’m real good under pressure, being all that I can be
And I can’t call in sick on Mondays when the weekend’s been too strong
I just work straight through the holidays, and sometimes all night long
You can bet that I stand ready, when the wolf growls at the door
Hey I’m solid, hey I’m steady, hey I’m true down to the core.

And I will always do my duty no matter what the price
I’ve counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice
Oh and I don’t want to die for you, but if dyin’s asked of me
I’ll bear that cross with honor, cause freedom don’t come free.

I’m an American Soldier an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand
When liberty’s in jeopardy, I will always do what’s right

I’m out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight
American Soldier, I’m and American, Soldier.

An American Soldier an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand
When liberty’s in jeopardy, I will always do what’s right
I’m out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight
American Soldier, I’m and American, an American, an American, Soldier.
 

Prayer From a Soldiers Mom!

"Dear God,

     Make my soldier boy strong; strong to endure the heat, the cold, the rain, the snow, and the horrible sights of war.  Stand by him, Oh Lord, and help him to keep a clear-thinking and sane mind in a world gone mad.  Give him the courage to do the things he must do, and contribute his full part toward returning the light of peace to the people of the world.  Give him the faith for the future and strength to endure the present.  Let him know in his heart that we love him and we are praying and thinking of him each hour of the day.  Oh Lord, if it is Thy will, help him to complete his mission and bring him safely back home to us.  Amen"

Grieve the Warrior, You
Author: Earl Davis

Submitted by Anna Noteboom, (A Marine Officer)

 Every decision made is the result of a choice, sometimes mine, sometimes yours. It was my choice to join. It was your choice what I was to be. God did not make the Warrior, man did. In the life we live, the Warrior is a necessity. It is the responsibility of the Warrior to protect and defend the freedom of others, no matter how high the cost. The color of freedom is red. Grieve the Warrior, You.

Once a Warrior is made, there is no going back. He is forever changed. It is up to you to honor and respect the Warrior in his transformations. A Warrior has wisdom you will never know, let alone understand. Among Indian tribes of old, only a Warrior could become Chief, and only a Chief could advance to Sage. Grieve the Warrior, You.

There is a Wall filled with bygone heroes, honored and respected. A virtual Wall exists with four times the names, fallen Warriors that shouldn't be, but driven there by dishonor and disrespect. There are many, many more who are alive, but dead at the same time. You have chosen to put it all behind you. It is past now, so let us forget it, like it never happened. Warriors can't put it down, can't forget because it is still happening to their minds. Grieve the Warrior, You.

Whatever you think of them, or not think of them, doesn't change a thing. You have made them Warriors and Warrior forever they will be. You see I am a Warrior. No one ever says, "I was" or "I will be", but "I am." I am the price of your freedom. Your world exists because of mine, and mine exist because of yours. Your visions are many and varied, of bright and beautiful things to come. The visions of a Warrior are contained in one _____ A thousand-yard stare. Never mind, the Warrior will grieve You.

THE FINAL INSPECTION

Submitted by John Bligh, (Devon's Uncle)


The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

A Memorial Day Poem,

(Submitted by Rosemary Clark)

I Remember

On our flag of red white and blue,
The world sees why we remember you,
You left your homes to take up the fight,
Families left alone in the dead of night,
You stood beside soldier’s way over there,
You were helping others overcome their fear.

Back at home a young wife still went on,
To protect the family she had to be strong,
Another soldier at war was lost that day,
She hugged her child silently what could she
say,
She too was at war her heart was still,
She asked again if this was God’s will.

At the center of the city at the church square,
A mother returned for another day of prayer,
She pleaded with the Father to spare her son,
To keep him safe till the war was done,
She asked the Lord by his side to stay,
As he fought for peace all night and day.

A father knew he could show no fear,
But when all alone would shed a tear,
This was his son now a grown up man.
He asked, “Spare his life please, o say you
can”,
He wished once more just to hold his son,
But knew there was a battle to be won.

A son looked at his dad’s photo on the wall,
Wondering if his dad knew he was now so tall,
Someone else’s father played ball that day,
It hurt so much his dad was still away,
He raised his eyes up to the Heavens and said,
Jesus keep my dad safe watch over his head.

A daughter looked down new shoes on her feet,
Other people soon with a salute she’d greet,
She was going off to join the war,
Like her father had a few years before,
Long ago on that day she took her place,
She would fight the enemy face to face.

Devon,

A few words of encouragement for you:

“A true Hero is not found by looking left, right, forward, or backward.  True Heroes are found by looking within oneself for the courage to face that which you require a Hero to face for you.  True Heroes discover themselves.”

“When you come to the edge of all the light you know…And you are about to step off into the darkness, Faith is believing one of two things will happen…There will be something solid to stand on… Or you will learn to fly…..”

“Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain.  An occasional glance towards the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many different scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point. Climb slowly, steadily, and the view from the summit will serve as a fitting climax for your journey.”

When you get better and you WILL, know that there is a place for you and your family here to come and visit for that rest and relaxation you so richly deserve.  Thank you for all you have done and for the many sacrifices you have had to face in this trying time.  Please, please please, please  DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE:  Hope abides; therefore I abide.

Countless frustrations have not cowed me. I am still alive, vibrant with life. The black cloud will disappear, The morning sun will appear once again In all its supernal glory.

Please know that prayers are flying your way across the continent.

Sinikka Koivisto, Canada

Some Things From Devon's Brother David: Another Warrior

Thought I would send you a few things that we, (Devon, Myself and all who serve you) really believe in.

SSG David Gibbons, ODA 755

B/2/7th Special Forces Group (A) Fort Bragg, NC 28310 __________________________________________________________________________________

SOLDIER'S CREED-

I am an American Soldier. I am a member of the United States Army -- a protector of the greatest nation on earth. Because I am proud of the uniform I wear, I will always act in ways creditable to the military service and the nation it is sworn to guard.

I am proud of my own organization. I will do all I can to make it the finest unit in the Army. I will be loyal to those under whom I serve. I will do my full part to carry out orders and instructions given to me or my unit.

As a soldier, I realize that I am a member of a time-honored profession--that I am doing my share to keep alive the principles of freedom for which my country stands. No matter what the situation I am in, I will never do anything, for pleasure, profit, or personal safety, which will disgrace my uniform, my unit, or my country. I will use every means I have, even beyond the line of duty, to restrain my Army comrades from actions disgraceful to themselves and to the uniform.

I am proud of my country and its flag. I will try to make the people of this nation proud of the service I represent,

for I am an American Soldier.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOLDIER'S PRAYER-

God our Father,

Help me to remain true to my ideals during my service to my country. Help me be what is in America, the land of the free. May I realize that I represent what our country stands for. My uniform is a symbol of duty and valor both in peace and in war. I take up arms to defend what all Americans hold dear: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Grant me the strength to live according to these ideals, the courage of my convictions, and the resolve to endure whatever dangers threaten. With you at our side I fear no evil and resist every enemy, secure in the knowledge that you hold me in the palm of your hand.

Amen

A Prayer, Word of Encouragement: 4-27-06

OUR HERO

DEVON GIBBONS

 May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. I believe that your family and friends are Gods quiet angels, There to help you when your wings have trouble remembering how to fly. God has provided you with your very own recovering path, A path that will be as long as you need it to be, Wide enough for your FAMILY and FRIENDS to walk beside you. When it hurts to look back, and you're scared to look ahead look beside you

your FAMILY and FRIENDS will be there as God heals your physical and emotional wounds.

Our names are Wayne and Irene Frei. Devon’s’ cousin, Aaron Bligh will become our son-in-law this spring. Our daughter Chanelle and Aaron will be Married, June 10th. God is watching over you and your family. You are in our family prayers each and every day. Although we have not met face to face, you are forever in our heart, and soon we will all be each other’s extended family. 

 Wayne, Irene Frei and Family

A Prayer for Devon: 4-25-06

Dear Lord, I pray for Devon and his family and his recovery and that He has complete faith in You as you are our strength and our deliverer and our Healer. We ask for Your will in his life and that You will bless Devon and his family as they go thru this time of trial and crisis. We also thank Devon for protecting our country so we can live free. AMEN

God Bless you all and much Prayer, Jeri, Port Orchard , WA

A Poem for Devon

Devon Gibbons - A Son, A Soldier, A Hero
Words cannot begin to say,
What we feel for you today,
Some soldiers answer the call to go,
Leaving their family's, they do not know
How bad things will be in another land…
But to protect us they make a stand.

We are all proud to call you our son,
And we despise what the enemy has done,
Boy Scouts consider the left hand they shake,
A symbol of greeting that others take,
You to us are a man among men,
Devon you served as a hero back then.

Mothers will feel for you and shed a tear,
Knowing the pain your own mother will bear,
Father's all over America today,
Will tell you that they feel this way…
I never sent my son to war,
He went knocking on out country's door!

As a young man he left for boot camp,
To his family he was already a champ,
Some say a soldier is tall and bold,
We say a soldier is made of gold,
We look at you and we see,
A glimmer of what we wish to be.

The enemy can take a leg or hand,
From the soldiers who defend our land,
But we all know they can't take away,
What our soldiers are made of today,
The spirit that marches within each soldier,
As fighting in foreign lands they grow older.

There is a soldier on Earth in God's care,
Lifted up by peoples prayers everywhere,
Devon to us a son you'll always be,
Loved by families from sea to shining sea,
To us you're the one who generations will see,
The brave soldier who fought to keep us free.

Rosemary Clark, Valley City Utah, Mother of six sons, three who are soldiers.

Remembering something Devon said last summer...

Last summer Devon was visiting us and we were all sitting around on the deck talking. Devon was telling us about his plans, when he was leaving for boot camp, his brothers training, etc. He said something like "someone has to do it", when asked what he thought about going to Iraq. It reminded me so much of that line in the movie, "The Majestic" when it flashes back to the hero as he was writing a letter home from the war. Responding to a question along the lines of, "why did you have to go", he wrote these powerful words...

"When bullies rise up, the rest of us have to beat them back down, whatever the cost. That's a simple idea I suppose, but one worth giving everything for."

That's one of the "guys like Devon's" philosophies in life. Simple, but worth giving everything for...for the rest of us who can't, or won't, (stand up to those bullies). It doesn't matter to guys like Devon. He does it for everyone, for the innocents, the weak, and even the appeasers. These guys are our "true heroes". And we are forever grateful to them and their families. Remember, it is their moms and dads who taught them those things. How proud I am to name Devon as my nephew. How proud I am of all our guys who are willing to "give everything they have" to keep the bullies from hurting the rest of us. I pray daily that God will bless them abundantly, and guide them according to His plan for their lives.

Dan Bligh, Devon's Mom's brother

 

 

Email comments, postings, pictures, encouragements, etc. to devonsourhero@wethegibbons.org