Article September 15, 2008 Issue

To comfort—and be comforted

BY THOMAS WHEATLEY

As I write this article, I'm preparing to revisit the spouse of one of our soldiers who was recently killed in Iraq by a suicide bomber. In my work as a Christian Science chaplain in the United States Army, I was on the Casualty Notification Team a few mornings ago, when we had to notify her of the death of her husband. This is one of the most difficult, but most important, jobs that any officer, NCO, or chaplain has to perform.

It's heartbreaking to see the look on the face of a spouse, when he or she realizes before you even speak why you're there. But there can also be a feeling of hope and peace when you're able to share even a glimpse of spiritual reality with someone dealing with grief.

In this particular case, by the end of our conversation this young woman was able to voice her conviction that her husband's spiritual life was not over but that he continued to walk in God's presence. And she seemed to have hope for her own future as well, even though it would be without her husband's physical presence.

About the author

Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel) Thomas Wheatley has been a Christian Science Chaplain in the US Army since 1988. In addition to serving two tours in Iraq, he has held a variety of chaplain assignments in the US, Korea, and Italy.

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