A little more than two years have passed since that horrible Wednesday in October 2005 when Robyn Anderson’s world was shattered. On that day, her son, Marine Lance Cpl. Norman W. Anderson III, 21, of Parkton, was killed during combat operations in Karabilah, Iraq, one of more than 4,300 American military deaths since the beginning of operations in Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003). Every day the pain is fresh and the sense of loss staggering to the mother who still sets a place at Thanksgiving dinner and still hangs a Christmas stocking for her son. Published by The Examiner — in what will be an occasional series of letters from loved ones to lost soldiers — is Robyn’s tribute to her son’s courage, commitment and devotion to family.

Monday, November 12

Hey Norm, As usual, I am missing you more every day. I find myself still waiting for those damn Marines to come back to the house and tell us the terrible mistake they made, and you were found in a hospital in Iraq, recovering from your injuries. Maybe tomorrow.

Dad and I spent the weekend at Arlington sitting and chatting with you and the family and friends that came to visit. With it being Veterans Day, the visitors were many this weekend. Someone asked why we go so often to Arlington. That’s a question you really can’t answer. Although what Dad said really touched me. He said he doesn’t go there to be with you, as he knows you are with him all the time. But he goes there and just sits and imagines you and your fallen brothers sitting there with us, telling your stories, sharing your memories, and talking about us, your family coming to visit, paying our respects and sharing our memories. That really made me think. I go simply for me. I feel this overwhelming connection to you there. Not that I don’t feel you with me all the time, but it’s just something about that place of honor. I can’t put it into words.

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Life is so different without you here. Not a day goes by that I don’t shed a tear for you. Some days there are more tears than others, and I wonder really, am I crying for you, or more for me? A light went out in my life when you left this earth. Don’t get me wrong, I have so many wonderful people and events in my life, but no one or nothing can replace you and what you brought to my life.

There are days that I think I would trade places with other people in a heartbeat, but then I stop and think no way, because I wouldn’t give up the 21 amazing years I had with you. As I go through life and meet so many people, I become even more aware of just how special you were, and still are. Even in your passing, you continue to inspire people. Wow! How lucky am I to be your mom. Thanks, Norm.

Your sister’s family continues to grow. You would have so much fun with Ashten now. He just turned 4 last weekend and what joy he brings to us. Norm, he asks about you and the “bad guys” that killed Uncle Norm. I don’t hold back, I share about you with him every chance I get. It’s so important that he remember you and understand what you sacrificed for him and all of us.

The holidays are coming up, and once again the place-setting will be set for you at Thanksgiving, the stocking will be hung for you at Christmas, and we will get together and laugh and cry, as we share all of our memories of you. And what absolutely wonderful memories you left us with.

Norm, I am so very, very proud of you. I knew from the moment you were born what a special person you were. I just didn’t realize the impression you would leave in so many lives. You gave your life to save your fellow Marines, and there is no higher sacrifice one can make. You, my son, are a hero’s hero.

I love you with every part of my being and know that one day we will be together again. Continue to keep watch over us and hold us close.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Your proud mom