I just finished reading Deborah Tainsh's book,

Deborah's words grabbed my heart through out the read . . . and were especially emotional at times when good and even difficult memories of Patrick were vividly expressed.  Nor does she shy away from the troubles with her marriage before and after the suffocating loss of Patrick. 

And every time a reference to Patrick serving in Iraq was made . . . it became very personal for me, as I found myself going back to 2003 when my wife and I were worrying every minute of the long waking days about our youngest son serving with the Marines in Iraq . . . when Deborah and David Tainsh were doing the same for Patrick.

Words cannot express how I feel visualizing my wife and me answering that unwelcome knock, as the Tainshs and the loved ones of all the other fallen troops have.  It was a constant fear until our son returned safely to America . . . Now, multiply this deep rooted emotion by all the parents and loved ones of those in harm's way.  (It is why my poem, Honoring The Fallen, came to be.)

And while Deborah Tainsh's book is her family's story, it speaks loudly about how all families of a fallen one are impacted profoundly . . . So, please do yourself a favor and experience Heart of a Hawk . . . joining me in appreciation and admiration of Sergeant Patrick Tainsh's transformation from his younger life's demons into a loving son, caring man, proud soldier, respected leader of men, and hero . . . who paid the ultimate price for his beloved country and fellow citizens without regret. 

Moreover, a portion of all proceeds from Heart of a Hawk is donated to TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), which is another excellent reason to read Deborah Tainsh's book.  And that goes for every patriot!