Christian Duchesne Tribute

For some reason I do not know I woke this morning and while normally I start the day thinking about what to do with the kids, what my wife needs done and where I need to go I stopped...had a cold sweat and thought about the brve folks in Afghanistan. These people have a special place in my heart and had it not been for a spinal injury I would most likely be there with them. 1997 I had to take a release from the forces and it was a sad day for me, but every time I see someone I served with take the ride down the highway of heroes it breaks my heart. So when I woke up today I had an overwhelming sense of pride, peace and sadness creating a emotion overload and I am not ashamed to say I cried. I couldn't say exactly what was the main source of the sadness, but a general overload. I then thought of Christian because while I have had other friends fall over the years in Afghanistan and in other places his was one of the most devastating to me. Why? Because he was a strong, friendly and just plain great guy. Not the standard "He was a great man and was loved by everyone that knew him" (he was, but he was more than that). He was a man that cared deeply for his family, cared about what they thought of him, took every challenge head on, would never ask anyone to do something he wouldn't do himself...I know more standard statements, but when applied to Christian they are different, because he was different...he was all of these....all the time. I didn't know him after he was married and had kids, but I can only imagine that there are 3 more kids in the world that if they have his personality and love of life that Canada has 3 more Canadians that will achieve the greatness he has.

To his kids I say this....your dad was a great man to all that knew him and he will never be forgotten. I can't even begin to think of the pain and loss you must feel, but I hope in time you will replace some of it with the knowledge that he made a difference to many people and helped not just those in Afghanistan, but those of us at home to learn to love life and take pride in all we do. I miss him too, but m grateful to have gotten to know him even if only a shorty while.

Thank-you for your service. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.