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| Wounded in War, but Victory in Battle |
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DC has suggested I retell a little bit of my grandfather’s WWII memories in the interest of other veterans on mychurch and all who are interested. There is more to this story than what can be included in a blog, but I will try to share what I can about my grandfather, Ora Armistead. A little on his memories of the war: This is an excerpt from a book written by local historian, Nola Mae Wittler Ross… Ora Armistead was in the 156th Division but as he went through France and Belgium, he was sent to another unit as a replacement. “I remember the snow during the Bulge – at least two feet deep. And we were always on top of the snow, exposed, while the Germans were dug in. One day we started to take a hill and discovered a big army of German soldiers on the other side. We were told that American tanks were on their way to assist us. So we started up the hill. The tanks didn’t show. “We lost a lot of men then. I was hit by a concussion shell, and it knocked me out for several days. I woke up in Luxembourg where a nurse said to me, ‘You sure are a lucky man.” She showed me the woolen clothing I had been wearing when hit and we counted 13 bullet holes in them. But not a single bullet had hit me.” “While I was in the hospital, General George Patton came by and personally awarded my Purple Heart.” This is one of the many accomplishments my grandfather received thus far in his 85 years. I have heard many stories over the years about his life, hardships, and funny incidents. I will say, however, that the “Patton” story was the one I liked the most…until a week an a half ago. I was blessed to witness another war story – a battle, really. With a multitude of prayers, surrounded daily by loving brothers and sisters in the Lord, and a merciful Savior, Satan was defeated in a 5-minute heartfelt prayer. Battle began, battle won. Amazing to see a man die (to self) on the battle field and raised to walk in victory! And who says miracles don’t happen in these last days? I SAW A MAN THAT WAS DEAD…NOW ALIVE IN CHRIST! Sounds like a miracle to me! Our merciful Savior granted my grandfather a moment of lucidity to do what most may have thought unthinkable for a man of 85 years with Alzheimer’s disease – He made Him Lord of his life, his eternity, Lord of all. The Lamb’s book of Life added another name on February 27th, 2007 – Ora Armistead. One day we will all meet our King. What a glorious thought to imagine all the crowns laid at His feet – laden with rubies, emeralds, pearls, and maybe a few purple hearts… Thank you Tona, Teri, and Scott for sowing, watering, praying, and loving…
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| To add a comment to "Wounded in War, but Victory in Battle" |
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| March 09, 2007 |
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AngiePangie, So beautiful! Another chapter written in The Notebook of life. TGBTG! |
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| March 09, 2007 |
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Angie, I have friends who conduct a service in a local assisted living center. They'd tell you that the hope of what you've described here is one of the reasons they don't miss a Sunday. None of us knows what's going on behind the veil of Alzheimer's but there's no doubt that God is able to reach through our every human frailty. The second reason? When this service first started there were lifelong believers there who confided, "When we moved in here our church forgot about us." Your grandfather's army wouldn't have dreamt of leaving wounded out on the field alone waiting to die; neither should these folks be isolated from the Body at this stage in their lives. |
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| March 10, 2007 |
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I'm crying tears after reading your message. We have been members of a very small local church for many years, where there was an elderly man and his wife. They were married at 17, just out of high school and on their way to college together. When I met them, they were both in their 80s and he was developing Alzheimer's, and eventually wound up in the nursing home. She never left his side, despite the childish outbursts and filthy language that erupted. They both were Christian, having raised 9 children who are all practicing Christians (3 are currently Pastors), and all grandchildren are Christians. I know she would craved to have just one more moment of lucidity so she could tell him just once more that she loved him, and hear the same from him. My God, how precious is our time with family. How short our lives can become. Breaks my heart. In a good way. |
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| March 10, 2007 |
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Angie, |
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| March 10, 2007 |
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Angie, |
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| March 10, 2007 |
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Angie, |
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| March 10, 2007 |
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Angie, |
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| March 10, 2007 |
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| Your Grandfathers decision to serve our country as he did has made it a better place for us all. I am sure God will bless him for his dedication and service. His decision to trust in Christ is so awesome. May God bless him and your whole family as you minister to his needs. God will bless you for it. Mark Wigley <>< |
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| March 10, 2007 |
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This is such a wonderful story filled with hope and love and such a blessing to welcome your Grandfather into "The Family". You seem very close to him and that is beautiful. Thank you for sharing this. Bless you. Kelly |
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| March 10, 2007 |
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Hey Angie, I am so glad to hear of your grandpa...isn't it amazing to see God's promises come true...and amazingly the longer we have to wait for them the more special and miraculous they truly are Dan...you need to write something I CAN disagree with...in all my trouble making I am beginning to feel without...leaving our elderly behind has been on my heart for many years... My wife and I are mentored by Glen and Marylin Ford...they were the head of African missions for 43 years and are now stateside until they return...both are in their 80's and have more energy than a light station...but both have expressed...emotion...concerning how the younger Christians...who know nothing of them merely regard them as worthless when these are the guys we should be lining up to be around...well said... |
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| March 18, 2007 |
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AngiePangie, you are beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing your grandfather's story with us. I am moved to tears. God bless you. Love, Mary Ann |
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| March 18, 2007 |
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Thanks to all for the prayers and comments. Side note: PawPaw is in the VA near our home town. I saw him today and it was a good visit. The adjustment was difficult at first, but he is doing well. He says it's nice and the people there are great, but there's no place like home. Please keep him in your prayers. Our Veterans deserve the best we have to give in their last days! |
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| March 19, 2007 |
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| Wonderful story Angie. I feel blessed after reading it. Thank you for sharing your PawPaw with us. |
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| March 20, 2007 |
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AngiePangie, Thanks for the update. It means a lot to me to hear he is doing well...as well as he can...he is in my daily prayers. |
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| March 20, 2007 |
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I'm praying for him now Angie! my love to you, PawPaw and all the mychurch family!!! |
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| April 03, 2007 |
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Wonderful blog Angie. Praise God that your grandfather will spend eternity with us! It is amazing to hear how God spared his life, knowing that He would call Ora as one of His own. Bless the Lord and bless you Angie for another great post! Girl, you must write a book! I will praying for Ora in the meantime. |
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| April 10, 2007 |
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| Angie, thanks for sharing both war stories. |
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| May 02, 2007 |
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AngiePangie, How is your grandfather doing? |
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| May 02, 2007 |
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DC - He is doing good. I saw him Saturday. When I got there, he was on the patio area with two fellow vets - residents. I sat with the three of them for a couple of hours. They had me rolling. The other two guys were both WWII navy vets. They told stories of some of the funny moments. One gentleman was sharing his stories of his visits to Seattle during the war and the anti-sailor things that went on. He had a sense of humor about it all. Pawpaw still wants to come home, but seems to be enjoying the company of others more there than he did at home. I enjoy being there - not only to spend time with him, but meeting some of the other guys. They have such a beautiful view of this country's past and present. They are concerned for the future of our country, but still love it! Medically Paw is better, but the memory is fading quickly. Please continue to keep him in your prayers - as I know you have been. I will take some pics next time I go and post:). Thanks DC |
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| May 02, 2007 |
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| Thanks for the update. Glad he is adjusting to the place well. He is on my daily prayer list, as you are, too. |
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| May 26, 2007 |
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| Thinking about your grandfather this weekend...thank you, sir. |
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| May 26, 2007 |
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| Dag, now I can't see the picture... |
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| May 27, 2007 |
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| Thanks to you both (sorry about the pic sue...I will fix shortly)
He is doing well. Kirt and I will be headed to the VA after church today. He is doing about the same physically, although the memory is getting worse with every visit. Please keep him in y'alls prayers. |
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| June 01, 2007 |
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| Hi what a touching story.Thank you for sharing it with us,Your family is in my prayers.I know how hard Alzheimer’s disease can be.I took care of my father in law the last 2 years of his life.He was a sargent in the Burma war and he would tell us stories of his time there .How brave the men and woman of all wars are.I salute them and pray them a safe haven there and home, to family and friends in Jesus name.Amen.God bless you all. |
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| June 01, 2007 |
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Thank you!
Paw's birthday is a week from tomorrow! We are going to go to the VA and throw a Birthday Party for him. He will be 86!
Alzheimer's is difficult, but healing is in the midst...one way or another! |
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| June 06, 2007 |
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On this day in history, we remember those who landed in France and fought the way to victory. To Ora, we say Thanks and offer a salute in respect. |
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| March 06, 2008 |
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| An update...Paw is still in the VA. They have called in Hospice. He is in renal failure. Please pray...rest and no pain. Love to you all! |
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| April 14, 2008 |
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I was sitting here tonight thinking of all of the people who prayed for my PawPaw and for my family. Thank you, mychurch, especially Voice_in_DC, for the prayers and encouraging words. Friday, April 11th, Ora Armistead went to be with the Lord. He had been in a coma of sorts for a few days and had not opened his eyes. All at once, around 5pm on Friday, he opened his eyes and looked up at the heavens. One of the people standing watch with him said "I know what you see, go dance with the angels, it's okay" and he breathed his last breath and did just that.
Again...thanks.
http://mem.com/Story.aspx?ID=2393004
click "watch movie" to see his slide show...Oh, and DC - the Honor Guard came in from Fort Polk...taps, presentation of the flag, the whole bit! What a humbling moment! |
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| April 15, 2008 |
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| Another warrior rests with our Lord. Thank you Ora. Your bravery will not be in vain as long as this man has breath to breathe. Thank you Angie for letting us be a part of this man's life however brief it was. I never met him here, but I look forward to meeting him over there. |
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| April 26, 2008 |
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Angie,
Thank you so much for sharing this story and journey. I missed the early parts. I am thanksfull to have been able to go back over and read these memories. May God contimue to bless you in your memories of you PapPaw. He was a man who was obviously loved here, and in the heavenlies. |
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| May 11, 2008 |
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| Thanks to all. |
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