David Bernstein

West Point, 2001

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Ron & Marlene Hall on October 26, 2003:

The loss of one's child, no matter the age, is NEVER supposed to happen. Through ages this occurred but NOT to ones we so love! There have been fine people who have passed through our lives, but few who impact so many as David Bernstein. From elementary school, through high school, and certainly, at his academy, where excellence is most valued, there are a numbered few of his kind. I, as a mother of two sons, and a teacher who favored kindergarten-age children, treasured David as a charming five year old. His beauty and brightness, outward and inward, were evident, even then. Neighboring children desperately wanted him for their 'best' friend. He was kind, enthusiastic, and engaging, even at this young age. I recall a visit to see David, following his major and delicate facial-bone surgery, necessitated by an errant baseball that fractured fragile bones surrounding his eye-socket. We delivered two, new, miniature cars, to assist in his recovery. He, being young and obviously hurting, continued to tell us these two Corgi cars were "just the two" he had wanted! He told us not to worry about his swollen and bruised and hurting face, as he would soon feel better. He looked forlorn, but he wanted Marlene not to fret over him. Even at that young age, he had goals to reach. He wanted others to be strong too - and not worry about him and his hurt. We shall try and be strong, David, like you. We shall FOREVER miss your beauty, strength, and kindness in our lives. Your too-short life enriched all priviledged to know you. You are Our Blessing and we thank God for His Gift to us. Ron and Marlene Hall

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