Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs

[theoriginalspy]

This is the story of a family mystery.

My great-grandmother (AKA: Nan) married rather late in life, for her time.  She was 28, and she met her husband in a very Florence Nightingale way by caring for him when he came home from WWI, blind, wounded, and suffering the aftereffects of being gassed.  They had one child -- my Gram (AKA: the only member

Comments

[seanchaidh]

It was my honour to help; I have to say it was the first time I got to use my academic training for good, you know? :)

[montyollie]

Absolutely fascinating.

You might like to watch an episode of the BBC show called "Who Do You Think You Are" about Alan Cumming -- his grandfather was a career soldier who committed suicide (playing Russian Roulette) after what was probably a lifetime of PSTD. It was very moving. Here is an article about it, but the documentary is even better: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-interviews/2010/09/09/alan-cumming-tv-show-helped-me-discover-my-grandad-shot-himself-playing-russian-roulette-86908-22548128/

[indomitable_one]

Do you mind if I post this on FB? It's amazing--both the story and your writing of it.

[theoriginalspy]

Sure, if you'd like.

[indomitable_one]

Also,

"...Light many lamps and gather round his bed.
Lend him your eyes, warm blood, and will to live.
Speak to him; rouse him; you may save him yet.
He's young; he hated War; how should he die
When cruel old campaigners win safe through?

But death replied: 'I choose him.' So he went,
And there was silence in the summer night;
Silence and safety; and the veils of sleep.
Then, far away, the thudding of the guns."

[little_jade]

That's an amazing experience you had. And it is a comforting thought that someone will remember Walter.
Thanks for telling us this fascinating story.