Sean Christopher Maples

West Point, 2007

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Annie Bowman on October 19, 2018:

Sean was a classmate and friend of our son Matthew. Upon meeting him my husband and I immediately deemed him to be one of our "favorite" pals included for various family holidays and vacations. Initially we referred to him as the buddy "with the pig roaster" as he often traveled with a huge contraption he towed from base to base. When we asked Matthew why he in turn was dragging it from Georgia all the way to Ft. Lewis he simply explained that Sean had asked him to. Sean felt that it was the easiest way to quickly make friends at his new post. He'd roast a pig and invite everyone over for barbecue which quickly earned him a well deserved reputation for being a sincerely great guy. As a parent how could you not love a kid like that? Years later as we traveled to Ft.Lewis to be there as Matthew deployed we were relieved to have Sean reassuring us that he would personally take care of Matthew's house, his lawn and his mail. With confidence and a sincere handshake, hug and smile Sean made us feel safe knowing he would be there in Matthew's absence. How could we not LOVE such a loyal and kind young man? Last year when Sean and his family showed up for our annual Thanksgiving day dinner, flowers and treats in hand they jumped right in participating in the games, conversations and festivities. Even though his health was tenuous and their family future uncertain they deflected attention and were in the moment participating fully and happily. Sean even helped me do the dishes. When they left I found crayon thank you drawings from the kids. Again how could you not be impressed by their bravery and demeanor? As I write this a few days after Sean's passing I am reminded of what a joy it was to have known him. Matthew has, in his intense grief, reassured me that it is an honor to participate in his service and take him to his chosen final resting place at West Point. As a parent it is impossibly difficult to aide your children when they lose a friend,especially a young father who has left us too early. Through West Point, Ranger school and Special Forces training to their deployments they have shared so much. The loss of someone who fully understands these experiences is profoundly difficult as they are truly irreplaceable. My heart breaks for my son and Sean's family especially his Mother, wife and children. I hope there is solace in knowing how widely and sincerely Sean was loved. He was an exceptional young man.

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