Heart of a Hawk: One Family's Sacrifice & Journey Toward Healing - Softcover

Tainsh, Deborah

9780965748384: Heart of a Hawk: One Family's Sacrifice & Journey Toward Healing

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0965748383 ISBN 13: 9780965748384

Publisher: Elva Resa, 2006

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A moving account of one family’s journey through grief and healing following the death of their son in Iraq.

David and Deborah Tainsh were living the happiest years of their lives until the dark morning of February 12, 2004, when a six a.m. knock at the door brought the news that their son, Sergeant Patrick Tainsh, had been killed in Iraq. David’s only child, Patrick was the son who overcame a rebellious, drug-addicted youth to become an outstanding U.S. Army Cavalry Scout, posthumously awarded the Bronze and Silver Stars for saving the lives of his commanding officer and other soldiers before succumbing to his own wounds.

In the wake of their loss, David and Deborah battle horrific grief and anger while trying to hold their marriage—and one another—together in an unforgettable journey toward healing.

"Be prepared to cry. Be prepared to learn. Be prepared to change. ..." —Maria Edwards, Military Writers Society of America

Military Writers Society of America Spirit of Freedom Award

Branson Stars & Flags Book Award – Silver

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About the Author:

DEBORAH TAINSH is an award-winning author of nonfiction, fiction, and poetry.

When Deborah's stepson, U. S. Army Sgt. Patrick Tainsh, was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq on February 11, 2004, she began writing about the experience initially to sort out her own grief. She captured the raw and tender moments of her family’s sorrow and remembrance. Her book Heart of a Hawk: One family’s sacrifice and journey toward healing brings readers into the Tainsh family’s living room as Deborah and her husband, retired USMC Sergeant Major David L. Tainsh, hear the tragic news of their son’s death and begin their struggle toward acceptance and peace.

Deborah's volunteer work with grieving families inspired her to compile stories from other Gold Star parents in Surviving the Folded Flag: Parents of war share stories of coping, courage, and faith.

Her poems are included in the National Endowment for the Arts archives of Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience.

"I wonder if Patrick would like to go to Disney World when he gets home?" Deborah was looking through a travel book at the various resorts close to the Disney theme parks in Orlando. "I think it’d be a lot of fun to take a family trip."

"He said he wanted to go to any resort we could find," Dave said. He was pushing back in his recliner to watch the O’Reilly Factor when the phone rang.

"Looks like Patrick," he said when he saw the caller ID.

Dave heard his son’s cheery voice. "Hey Dad, I’m countin’ the days! We’re on the backside, now. Word is we’ll be headed for Kuwait by mid-March and home by April."

"Well it’s only the 10th of February. Just stay focused until you’re out of there. Don’t lose your edge. It ain’t over until you hit the USA."

"I know, Dad. Don’t worry."

"We’re going to Disney World when you get home," Deborah said, holding the extension.

"Sounds like a winner to me. I’m ready to be anywhere but here for a while."

"Just hang in there, bud," Dave repeated. "Just keep your head on straight. And don’t forget how much we love you."

"Me, too, Dad. I gotta go. Tell everybody I love and miss ‘em. I’ll call you later."

Dave placed the phone back in its cradle, as Deborah wrote 'Pat called' on the calendar, never thinking it would be the last time they’d ever speak to their son.

...

Deborah knew from experience with Dave that battle-worn soldiers didn’t like being asked about their wartime experiences. But Dave and she both needed to know exactly what had happened the night Patrick was killed. One death certificate had said throat wound,another said gunshot. With as much nerve as she could muster, searching for the appropriate way, Deborah finally said to Rob, "I know I probably shouldn’t ask you this. I know certain things are not good to talk about, but if you’ll forgive me, we’d like to know if you could tell us what happened that night."

Dave’s face grew somber. He supported the question to his son’s first sergeant. Rob looked at both of them with gentle somberness in his rugged, tanned face.

"Sergeant Major," he said, "first I want you to know that Patrick’s greatest wish was to make you proud. He was always saying, ‘I’ve got to make my dad proud.’ When he was asked one time about going to school to become a warrant officer, he said, ‘No thanks, my dad retired a sergeant major, and that’s what I’m gonna do.’ You were the most important person to him. And believe me, he was an outstanding soldier. He was like a magnet. Other troops came to him for advice and friendship. He was the superior example of a soldier and leader. His reputation always preceded him. He was a commanding officer’s dream."

Dave and Deborah sat quietly, holding back tears, ready to hear the painful words that would become Patrick’s legacy.

"I can tell you exactly what happened that night. I was there with him."

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