We prayed that this day would never come, but on Saturday, December 5th 2009, we were informed that my brother, Elijah Rao, was killed while serving in Afghanistan.
I couldn’t have asked for a better brother. He was a kind, loving, honorable man and will be missed dearly by our family and all those that he touched with his gentle spirit. We have faith that he is in Heaven and one day we will all be together again.
Elijah served an extended tour in Iraq before serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He was scheduled to come home in January on leave and then come home for good in May when his tour ended. He leaves behind a wife and 1 1/2 year old daughter.
Please pray for our family during this unimaginably difficult time. The outpouring of love and support from the military and community is a blessing and really shows us how many people Elijah touched in his short life.
A local news story about my brother and his sacrifice for our country: Soldier from Oregon killed in Afghanistan
My deepest condolences are extended to you and your family during this time. I cannot begin to image the pain and anguish his poor wife is going through. Here I was complaining that my husbands deployment length was extended…I have absolutely no right.
I am deeply saddened for all of you, and you will be in my prayers. I know it sounds cliche but I do believe with all my heart that you will all see him again.
Please take as long as you need, the website can wait…
With Love & Prayers,
The Bebla Family
Elijah was a fixture in our household in West Linn. He was a very kind, gentle man with a big heart. My family is very saddened by his loss.
Elijah was a wonderful man and I feel so blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
“What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.”
- Eleanor Powell
Cicily, my son, Sam, served with your brother. He called me on Sunday and while he sounded calm, I could tell he was upset about Elijah, as well as concerned about his other friend, Jim, who was seriously injured in the same blast. I lost a brother when I was a young adult. It leaves a hole that never gets filled. I am so sorry for your loss. Hang in there.
Cicily,
I am just now seeing this and I am so sorry for your loss. I read the article you linked and am left with a deep feeling of gratitude that your brother so willingly stepped up to protect and serve our country during such a turbulent time.
I pray that God will give you and your family the peace that passes all understanding during this difficult time. I’ll be thinking of you, friend. If there’s anything I can do for you, just let me know.
I am so sorry for your loss! You and your family are in my prayers!
I came across your blog while looking for someone to re-design my website. My brother deploys next week to Afghanistan and my step-son just got back from his first tour in Iraq. Although I am a total stranger to you, I just needed tell you how sorry I am for your loss and how grateful I am for your brother and his service to our country.
I found your blog while searching for some invitation design companies. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Your post brought tears to my eyes. You must be so very proud of your brother. I am grateful there are people like him fighting for our freedom. You are in my thoughts.
I am just now seeing this and I am so very sorry for your loss. I am so very grateful for your bother serving to protect our freedom. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cicily,
I just saw your post from December and wanted to pass along my condolences for the loss of your brother. I am so very sorry, and thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have no doubt that your brother was a great protector of our country and our freedom. May he rest in peace, and God bless you all.