Note: This will be sticking at the top for a few days, scroll down for newer content.
Mrs Santiago found our post on her son, and passes this word along in the comments box. I’m bringing it to the top:
“I googled my son and found this very thoughtfully written article. I‚Äôm so touched by your comments‚ĶDiego would be smiling from the heavens. To know our little Diego was to love and admire him. He was a ‚Äúman‚Äôs man‚Äù and he was a fine Navy man! We‚Äôll be in pain, every day for the rest of our lives, but comforted by the support of the greatest military force in the world!
Cookie Santiago (Diego’s mom)
PS You can visit Diego’s website at:
www.carepages.com
His page is: DiegoLandHe has 1891 readers and we‚Äôre hoping for 2,000. He loved the carepage and believed he was famous. I can honestly say he is loved throughout the world. Please, visit the photo page! He‚Äôs just beautiful.”
We’re very sorry for your troubles, ma’am. I believe, on behalf of my very small, but very decent pool of readers, that we can promise Diego 2,000 visitors.
Lex;
Ok the big burly ex nuc cried.
Lex-
Page visit in only available to those previously approved via email. Once that’s forthcoming consider it +1.
Ugh, is, not in.
Tim – you weren’t the only one.
Sim – me too.
Me three.
Have registered, waiting to get to the page, but then add another. Thanks for sharing.
Visited page….I had the same reaction as all the rest. What an incredible youg man.
registered, awaiting email approval for Diegoland, will visit.
I got to raise all of mine. The youngest will be 17 this month. This young man’s story reinforces how blessed I am.
Semper Fidelis,
ASM826
Count me in.
Update: I visited the site after getting my invitation. I especially like the picture of Diego with the Master Chief of the Navy. What a moment.
It’s very hard to read his mother’s logs, her pain is so raw. I recommend being alone and having a hankerchief handy. You aren’t going to look so big and tough to everyone with those tears on your face.
I repeat a comment I made earlier. “A hard thing, done well.” And a respectful nod to the Navy for making Diego’s day happen with such style.
Semper Fi,
ASM826
If I make any typos please pardon, it’s hard to type with the screen all watery looking.
Diego’s Carepage is another +1 vistor.
Military Families are NEVER alone.
We keep Diego’s family in our prayers for the healing of greif – a lonely and painful journey.
There are now over 2,950 messages. I hope these bring comfort to the family.
Registered, then cried, then left a message. I’m going to go hug my son now.
Just received my permission e-mail. Don’t have to visit to shed a few more tears, but I’m headed that way now. Keeping this family in my prayers.
Registered, posted, and hugging my kids a little tighter tonight…
Brian
Plus One.
Consider this another visitor to DiegoLand, as soon as I get the e-mail confirmation. Haven’t even read it yet and I’m already feeling a little off. Brave little man and brave family.
Also awaiting approval…. and needing a new supply of tissues.
*heavy sigh*
#2967 and counting…. what a story.
I don’t know if anybody will see this…Diego’s story was posted so long ago. It felt good to “google” Diego and know he is still everywhere I look. I’d never seen this particular blog and something in my heart feels very sad but very good. I can’t help wanting to turn to all of the caring individuals who were crying with us nine months ago…because I feel very lonely tonight.
My husband is in Baghdaddi and I am here in North Carolina with our two youngest daughters. Their big sister and her fiance will come home from school for the Easter weekend, and there will be two empty chairs at the table.
We miss both of our guys so badly. Diego is surely with his daddy, guiding him through this dangerous time and whispering in his papa’s ear, “Dad, I need my back-pack with my weapons!” “I’ve got a grenade, Dad!” “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ve got my snaffle rifle!” (That’s how he used to say “Sniper Rifle”) He was so fearless!
It’s only been one month since my husband’s departure to Iraq and the days are moving so slowly. But, I don’t know of another woman who could be so over filled with pride for a son and a husband all at the same time.
My fourteen year old asked me what we would do if her daddy didn’t return from the war. I told her that I couldn’t promise her that her daddy is going to return, any more than I ever promised her her brother would survive cancer. I told her that just like Diego, we pray that he will, we hope that he will, and we believe that he will. But, if he doesn’t…I can promise that we will be okay.
Pax et Bonum.
Cookie Santiago
mama to Diego: 07/29/2000 – 08/02/2006