The Wall • The Havok Journal

by Diana Nickell, wife of Vietnam combat veteran, Dennis Nickell

Promises made

Promises kept

I came to see you today…

Tears were not what I found

As I looked around

Surprised

At the feelings inside

Gratitude,

That I fought the fears

The thieves and demons

And lived my life to the fullest.

The mirror of your sacrifices

Souls etched on the wall

Brought hope, and peace.

Survived I did,

No victim here

I chose not to pull the trigger.

Regrets?

Wish I had known sooner

What a beautiful life was planned for me

Thanks all,

I will not dishonor you

By quitting

Or choosing to be a victim!

The Screams at night

Only last for a moment

And there are many more in each day

Walking away

I smile at my best friend and wife

I can honestly say

It’s a Wonderful Life

_____________________

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.