Descripción

"Dear Robin, [A broken crusader helmet repurposed into a vase for roses] You have my heart. You have all of my heart. For the past hour, I've been trying to write a post that does justice to your incredible story, and I ended up tearing up as I read your submission over and over again. You are so brave... so so brave. I felt your pain as I read of your service in the military: "I tried so hard to push through my depression and stay on track but even the people around me discouraged me and didn't see why I was even trying. They kept telling me my time there was up and I should just give up even though I expressed how much I wanted to continue my service." Eventhough you were mentally/physically abused, molested, and so much more.... you survived, and you continued to serve our country. Not only did you survive alone, which is the scariest thing of all, you have an infectious will to live even though your life has been filled with constant loss and trauma. I felt such anger and disgust as I heard your stories in person, but yet you were nothing but positivity as we sat through 9 hours together (the time really flew). Your will to forgive and make peace is so refreshing and humbling, and I'm glad I got to know you beyond this story. Your closing words forever hold a special place in my heart: "I want to make whatever experience I've gained to better the world somehow. Make something that was horrible and ugly - beautiful. This is what the design and your meaning made me remember. The cracks and dents in the helmet represents the wear that my mind and body went through while fighting for something I thought I believed in but even though its a past I rather not recall, the experience and the type of person I became from it is something I would never want to throw away. Instead I want to use it as my motivation and drive. Sorry for the long story! I hope I am picked but if not, thank you for reading anyway :)" Thank you for the honor. Thank you for the trust."