Kaylee Spakes
Granddaughter
In Remembrance of My Grandfather
Dearest Grandfather,
It is currently 7 am on November 11, 2013. It's Veteran's Day. My name is Kaylee and I am the daughter of your son, Michael, and your granddaughter. You never met me however, I have always thought about you ever since I was born. I am currently 18 years old and in college studying hard to be a Nurse, so I can help others just like you did. I have always wondered what you were like and what it would have been like if I had had the honor to meet you. My dad has shared many stories about you and because of that, I almost feel like I know you personally.
When I was in 5th grade, my class took a trip to Washington D.C. and we spent some time walking around the memorials. When we got to the Vietnam Wall, I was so overwhelmed at how many people gave their lives for this country we live in. I remember calling my dad in a panic because I had lost the tiny piece of paper that had the location of your name on it, only to find it in my back pocket minutes later. I was so excited to finally be able to see your name, but then it all hit me. You had given up your life to protect the ones you loved and for people you had never even met. I remember beginning to get teary eyed as one of the kind women that were there helped me get an etching of your name. I was so thankful for what you and many others had done for this country. This sticks so clearly in my mind because I could finally reach out and touch your name and see that all the stories I had heard growing up about you were all right there in front of me. After I did the etching, I took my hand and ran it over your name and was amazed at how somebody I had never even met had touched my life so much. The rest of the trip was amazing however, that one moment of looking at your name inches in front of me made the whole trip worth it.
I have spent many nights laying awake, listening to the song Some Gave All by Billy Ray Cyrus, and
scrolling through comments on your memorial page, but I never had the courage to post one myself. When I was laying in bed last night and realized what today was, I finally gathered the courage and started typing this. I live every day to the fullest because of what you did for me, your beautiful family, and for everyone in the world. You created a great family and you would be proud of every single one of them. They are so supportive and I love them all so much. I thank you so much for what you did and I plan on getting a tattoo of an American flag on my left shoulder one day in remembrance of you and all the courageous people who fought for our country. When somebody asks me who my hero is, I always say you because I appreciate the sacrifice you made for us and I believe that you deserve to be honored in every way possible.
I love you and will see you one day Grandfather,
Kaylee
Thank you to all the men and women who risked their lives for others. May God bless every single one of you and on this day, just know that people all across the country are thinking about you. I am so grateful to all of the Veterans and I appreciate everything you did to serve and protect this country!
Nov 11, 2013 |
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Ruby Lea Spakes
ppuff40@yahoo.com
Wife
116 Sunny Springs Lane Kingston Tn 37763 USA
To My Wonderful Husband
Today is your birthday. I always wanted to grow old with you, but that just wasn't in Gods plan. Now that I'm an old lady, I have so many things to remember. We had so many wonderful times together.I will never forget the drive home from Panama Canal Zone. That was truly an adventure. I will never let you leave my heart. You are there forever! All of our children remembered today was you birthday. They are very good to me, as you would want them to be. You would be very proud! I love you!!
Oct 10, 2013 |
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Patricia Spakes- Redmon
fluffy452003@yahoo.com
Sister/ niece
My Big Brother
Estel was such a good man and he loved his family dearly. I was a small child of 10 when he went away, but I remember him saying goodbye to me I was sitting in my red rocking chair and he hugged me and said good-bye I will never see you again and of course being the child I was I did not fully understand but a few months later I understood fully. I will never forget the sound of my moms screams as I entered the house after she had gotten the news of his death.... I love you and miss you dearly!!!!!!! We will all be together oneday
Nov 14, 2012 |
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Michael Spakes
mspakes6800@comcast.net
Son
Remembering you on this Veteran's Day Dad. I am at a loss. I have no words of wisdom to say....only memories and gratitude. Thank You for the sacrifices you made for your family and home. Thank You for making it possible for me to feel the love in my heart I have for my children. I fully understand how much you loved your children.....enough to give your life for us. Thank You Dad for my life.....
Nov 11, 2012 |
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Michael Spakes
Son
Happy Birthday Dad. I have been thinking about you all day. You would have been 76 years old today. I'm getting older now and feeling my age. Life has been hard for me at times. They say time heals all wounds but 'they' couldn't be more wrong. The pain I carry has not eased, even after all these years. I have regrets. One of the biggest is missing out on all the good times we could have shared. It was a terrible thing for a boy so young, and it scarred me for life. We had some good times though, didn't we... The memories I carry....... I remember fishing with you.....catching a lobster when we were stationed in Panama....getting to go to work with you....the family trip driving back to the States before you went to VietNam. I remember.....I remember.... These memories count among the best. I don't know how much longer I will have on this earth but as I grow older, I look at my children and I see you in them. I love them so....and I'm so proud of them. They are my life...my purpose. They will carry both of us into the future with them. We did good Dad. I love and miss you...... your son, Michael
Oct 10, 2012 |
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Michael Spakes
mspakes6800@comcast.net
Son
The following, deeply appreciated comments, were taken from a recent email sent by a School Teacher of one of Estel Spakes' sons. She helped us through our darkest days and now, even after all these years, she has found our family again.... I know Dad would be very grateful for the support she and the teaching staff gave to his widow and young children at the time of his loss........
Mrs. Spakes,
I didn't really know your husband. I only met him one time, and that was at Fairmont Elementary School. I was your son Buddy's second grade teacher. Your family came for an open house in the fall shortly before Estel went to Viet Nam. He seemed like a nice person and good father. I knew from the things that Buddy said about him that he was a good family man. I am so happy that he was saved before he went over there. That must have been some comfort to your family. I still remember, after all of these years, how your husband's death affected me and all of the other teachers, and the students in our class. I felt so bad for all of your family. So sad that you lost such a good man. It was hard for me to know how to deal with Buddy and with the other students in the class. The kids were young, but they were affected by the situation. Buddy seemed sad, but he also had his times of wanting to talk about his daddy. I just played it by ear. I had never been in a situation like that in a classroom. Everyone was extra nice to him and to your other children who were there at Fairmont. One thing that made it even worse for me, was that in our spelling lesson for that week was the word Daddy. It made me so upset to think that it would be there right at that particular time. I tried to stay calm and teach the lessons each day just as I always did. On the day that the students were supposed to write a sentence using that word, I wondered what Buddy would write. He wrote 'My daddy got killed'. That was all, and I thought he handled it so well. Better than I did. It was all I could do to keep from crying. The Lord's hand was on all of us during that time. He helped us through a very difficult time. I could not imagine what it was like for you. I did a lot of praying for you and your family. When I was visiting in Washington, D.C. several years later we went to the Viet Nam Wall. It was emotional for me. I had lost some friends in that war, and their names were on there. I thought about your husband, and I saw his name, too. I am glad that I got the chance to communicate with you. I don't think I will ever forget having Buddy in my class(he was a good kid) and that period of time in my teaching career.
I hope that you and all of your family are doing well. Tell Buddy that his second grade teacher has not forgotten him. Take care and God Bless you.
Martha Dalton
Jul 10, 2012 |
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Ruby Spakes
ppuff40@yahoo.com
Wife
USAW
We miss you
You are so loved and so missed. Our children will never forget. We have so many wonderful grandchildren. They all have been taught about you. Yes, one day we will all be together in a glorious place that the Lord has prepared for us. No more parting, no more tears, no more trouble. Just peace forever with our Heavenly Father. When I met you, it was love at first sight and I still love you today. You will always be in my heart. Ruby Lea
Mar 12, 2010 |
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Brittany Spakes
b.spanks3@comcast.net
graddaughter
Kingston TN
Oh how I wish this day 42 years ago would of never come...oh how my life would be so different if you were in it! I'm so sorry I didn't get to see you while you were here in your temporary home, but one day my dear grandpa, we will meet! I will toast to you today along with Granny, my father, and my aunt and uncles!! here's to you Grandpa Spakes! see you soon! thank you for the short 31 years you were here on earth! oh if you could only see the wonderful family you created!
Mar 12, 2010 |
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Tommy Spakes
tspakes@bellsouth.net
Son
272 Walnut Grove Rd. Kingston Tennessee 37763 USA
Today, March 12, 2010. The 42nd anniversay of my fathers death. You are gone, but you are alive in my heart. Not a day goes by, that thoughts of you come to me. I don't have a lot of memories of you, but I do remember times and places with you. I can look at photographs and remember thoses days and times that were so long ago. In September of this year I made my first trip to Washington D.C. and found your name on the wall. I felt so many different emotions seeing your name along with the thousands of other brave men and women who gave there lives for our freedom. THANK YOU! Your Son, Tommy
Mar 12, 2010 |
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David Spakes
david@spakes.net
PO Box 834 Seymour TN 37865 USA
Dear Estel, Introductions are in order. I am David Scott Spakes. My brothers Michael,
Buddy, and Tommy are your sons. My sister Brenda is your adopted daughter.
I carry your name, proudly, even though I am the son you never knew. I am filled with overwhelming emotion as I type this message to you. I
know that I can never feel the pain of your loss as deeply as my siblings,
because they knew you in life. But you mean a lot to me. Your sacrifice
made it possible for me to be raised to adulthood. You paid for every
stitch of clothing that I wore and for every morsel that entered into my
mouth. Rather, God chose you to provide these things for me since my own
father would not. In this way you were in God's service as much as you
were ever in the service of our nation. You would be proud of your family. Your children are sincere, tender-hearted,
and respectful. They love each other, their own children, and our mother
Ruby very deeply. Not one is a failure. Not one in trouble with the law.
All are patriotic.
I am a minister of Gospel of Jesus Christ. When I was a young boy, my
mother told me that a week before you shipped out for the last time, you
gave your heart to God. That fills my heart with tremendous joy, because
I know that one day when we are together with Jesus, I will finally get
the opportunity to meet you and to know you (and you will know me).
Until then, I have no doubt that your story at times will pass from my
lips to the congregation as a testimony to the salvation message.
May others come to know our Lord through your decision!
The anniversary of your passing is tomorrow, and my sister has suggested
to the brothers that we remember your life with a toast and a few moments
of reflection. I was honored to counted among their number to be invited
to participate. I will remember you, Estel, for all that you did for me.
With love as of a son, " Scotty"
Mar 11, 2010 |
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