When a Soldier Dies

By Dr. Mary Rose Johnson

Dr. Mary Rose Johnson's one and only son died while serving in the United States Army. He served as Private First Class and a gunner on a tank crew in Freiberg, Germany. On October 20, 1997, he died suddenly in his sleep. Just one month earlier, he had celebrated his twenty-first birthday in Munich, Germany, with other members of his team. One month later, he was no more. It was so shocking and devastating that Mary Rose did not think she could go on living. Her faith along with the love and support of those around her lifted her as they guided her through the valley of the shadow of death.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9781638856542

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Preface

1

2

3

4

About the Author

cover.jpg

When a Soldier Dies

Dr. Mary Rose Johnson

ISBN 978-1-63885-653-5 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63885-654-2 (Digital)

Copyright © 2022 Dr. Mary Rose Johnson

All rights reserved

First Edition

The poems at the beginning of each chapter were written by Ben and found in his journal when his belongings arrived home in San Diego.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

Preface

When my young soldier, PFC Benjamin Franklin Betts, died, I honestly didn't think I could survive. How does anyone get through the death of a one and only child? I desperately needed to know that I could and would. I frantically searched for information or role models who could show me the way out of the horrific pain I felt over the death of my young son. What I found was that there was a way—a path, you might say—that could bring me to another day and a future where joy and hope prevailed once again.

This is a book about my journey along that path. I share it with you in the hope it will give you hope, a sort of road map as you travel your path. It is a journey that is both difficult and lonely but fulfilling and life-changing. You can get through this, and you can make it to the other side of your valley. May God bless you and keep you in His loving arms through your journey. I know that He will if you will just ask. Ask Him now and know that He hears you and will answer your prayer.

Capable Hands

PFC Benjamin Franklin Betts

Oh no, something happened again

Deep inside you wish the world would end

You turn your back on all you know

To let your tears flow

There's a secret that's centuries old

It's a secret that's been told and told

God has a plan; one you may not understand

You may not see it now

Like standing on a mountain, looking across valleys unseen

A path to point unknown

Creating the world is easy to understand

But the