by Diana Nickell, wife of Vietnam combat veteran, Dennis Nickell
Forgive Us
As Job was refined with fire from above
So to in my life
The fathers’ shown his love
With a deep cleansing fire
That searches your soul
All for the purpose of making you whole
When gold becomes molten while being refined
Its liquid state no longer confined
To a shape or an object readily defined
The greatest process is completed inside
Forgive us our friends
If what you have seen
Has left you confused
Or slightly amused
Our intent was never to harm you
For you see in our lives
Perhaps in yours too
We committed ourselves the fire to go through
My God most would say
On purpose you went ?
Did you not know the cost
Or realize what you would pay if sent?
Sent through a fire
That on the outside
Would leave us all wondering if you’d sill be alive
While yet un-molded we seemed without form
But the dross was being removed forevermore
Perhaps we’ll be gentler
Our pride we’ve let go
If the fire has worked, well be nicer to know
No not perfect yet
The refinings’ not through
But since we’ve seen the fire
We have a greater love for you
When gold becomes molten while being refined
Its liquid state is no longer confined
While yet unmolded we seemed without form
But the dross was being removed
Forevermore
___________________
For 43 years, Dennis and Diana Nickell, shared their lives, passion, and hearts. Dennis, a Vietnam Combat Veteran who dealt daily with the aftermath of his 14 months in-country, spent his later years reaching out to Veterans, their loved ones, and tried to help share why you should never give up. Sept, 12th, 2021 Dennis joined his brothers in arms in heaven, who never had the chance to have the life he fought for daily, and his wife Diana still carries on the mission of educating, enlightening, and encouraging those who have paid such a heavy price for freedom.
Dedicated to ALL, first responders, and heroes, Diana has found peace in the wealth of her family and her faith. YouTube series Surviving Vietnam can be accessed freely at
https://www.survivevietnam.com/
All rights are reserved, for created content shared about their amazing journey, including original poetry by Diana. Feel free to contact Diana at dnickell1955@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.
As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.
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