by Bea Sting

Created on: February 21, 2010

I had four most memorable days in my life.

– Day 3

I was standing beside a soldier who is suffering through the pain of the bullet from the enemy. Seeing his hand shakingly holding a pen try to write some words on the papers made my eyes to shoot down right away. Thinking any minutes he will lose his breath, he gathered all of his energy to finish his words. After writing “sincerely”, I saw the pen dropped from his hand. I helped him fold up the paper which soaked with his blood and put it into the envelope, then into my bag.

– Day 2

On my way to the soldiers family, I was again stunned by the questions which continue to spin in my head, 'What do need to say to his family? What word do I need to say first? Do I need to tell them he just passed away?’ Those questions didn't disappear until I met his parents. I was standing in front of the door and knocked unevenly on the door. Slowly the door opened. I looked up and saw two old people and they must be his parents. When I handing them the letter and trying to open my mouth, they seems to me that they know everything I will say and what they will hear. I closed my mouth and walked away when they looking at the letter. Not closely, but I saw little crystals fall from two people's face.

– Day 1

I went back to the troops which it was the troop fall from the battle of Gettysburg. I saw many soldiers suffer from their wounds. I heard many said in front of the pain the death will be better for them. I heard many stories from the soldiers. They told me 28,000 of the confederacy were killed or wounded. The battle was so terrible that they called it the bloodiest battle they ever saw. The worst part was that some of them need to fight their friends and their families. They said they had a pelting rain when they retreat. After I collect some letters, I headed to the South.

The Day

I was coming near Vicksburg, and I saw a going on battle at that place. I heard the canons and rifles. Suddenly, a bullet hit at my right arm. The moment I got shut the word 'death' went across my mind. 'Oh! I am going to die, too.' Slowly the pain was through out my whole body. I looked at my arm, and I saw the blood was running down and it dripped onto my bag which was full of letters. Then I quickly make up my mind and thought again, 'If I die here, then who will give these letters to their own owners? This one word by one word was exchanged by many soldiers’ lives.' I stood up and continued my way.

Remembering the past, it was a terrible time for many Americans: soldiers, doctors, nurses, generals, leaders, etc, and myself. For me, I also learned many lessons and stored memories .Even though from that day I need to use my left arm for rest of my life, it was worth to see soldiers’ family’s faces when they received the letters including my ‘letter’.

Learn more about this author, Bea Sting.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.