Linda Ann Tarango-Griess

I volunteered to do some stitching for The Mother’s Day Project, an effort to honor women who sacrificed their lives in the Iraq war.

A name pre-stamped on fabric was sent to me that I embroidered and mailed back last week. The end result will be made into a tote and sent to me to use for a while before passing it on to the next person—to remind us of the women who have died in the Iraq war.

The name I received is Linda Ann Tarango-Griess, 33, of Sutton, Nebraska. Linda was killed on Sunday, July 11, 2004 when an improvised roadside bomb exploded near her convoy in Samarra, 60 miles north of Baghdad.

Source: U.S. Military Times

Whether I agree with the war or not, I sit here writing this post in the relative safety of my home because, throughout history, someone has fought and died to give me the blessing of feeling secure. The Mother's Day Project helps me be mindful of the sacrifices made by our military personnel and their families.

Source: York County Historical

This is my finished embroidered piece for Linda; her name was printed on some tape and adhered to the fabric, I just had to stitch over it.

photo by Dub Scroggin

Two months before her death, Linda wrote an email to her cousin apologizing for not being able to make his wedding that day. This is an excerpt that just touched my heart so deeply:

“I am sorry I can't be there to share in your day, but here I am in hopes that one day, these people will have the chance to be as happy as you. Just know that I AM with you...just close your eyes, place your hands on your heart, and you will feel me there.”