Todd Jason Bryant

West Point, 2002

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Kate Lange on November 17, 2003:

I did not know Todd very long, but I spent enough time with him to understand what a remarkable man he was. Whether it was watching the warmth and dedication he had for Jen, or having a vicious swordfight with rosemary sprigs at the head table of Tim and Katie's wedding (rosemary I'm reminded now, is for rememberance), or laughing together as the guys tackled him in the hotel room the day before his wedding. In the short time I was lucky enough to know Todd, he was so bursting with life that I quickly understood him to be a rare and precious combination of strength and tenderness, intelligence and hilarity, loyalty and mischief. I was sitting next to Todd, sharing a battle of wits and a whole lot of laughter on the night that Nick and I found each other. I am proud and honored to be welcomed into the family that West Point made of these friends. Now that I'm preparing my heart to send Nick to Iraq, I feel the truth of losing Todd very deeply. War takes our best and brightest. It always has. Todd was the brightest of the bright. Reading all the heartfelt eulogies posted here, and knowing personally the outpouring of grief and love and laughter for Todd, I can't help but believe that Todd filled his 23 years with far more influence than many people do in a long, long life. The world, and I were blessed to have known him. Now, Todd -- I don't know how to thank you for your sacrifice, or console the people who loved you most. But I do make you this promise. In giving yourself you have taught me to my core that all the life, love, laughter, freedom and friendship that we shared with you is not a given. It is a privledge, hard earned by you and so many others. I promise you I will carry that understanding with me through my life, loving more fully, working more passionately, and appreciating the world and its beautiful moments with awe and thanks. I will come to deserve the life you fought to keep free. Thank you Todd. You will not be forgotten. Love, Kate p.s. we're seeing what we can do about rounding up midgets and monkeys for the big day... but even if it doesn't work out, you'll be there in our hearts.

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