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Tex McFaden lit a candle
Sunday, June 16, 2019
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With all of the childlike wonder and joy of a grandson for his grandparents...
Love Always,
~Tex
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Tex McFaden posted a condolence
Sunday, June 16, 2019
RIP Nana. Sorry for all the years away but undiagnosed, untreated, poorly treated PTSD always got in the way. More time overseas in uniform and as a private contractor seemed to help but probably just added to the issues. By the time the Army and the VA admitted there were serious health issues, all connected to my combat service, the family made it clear that nobody cared or considered me family anymore. So this is me keeping my promise to one day let you know that I never forgot you, or anyone, even though everyone gave up and forgot me. I love the military and I've been honored to serve for many more years than most realize. My service cost me my health and all of my family, but fortunately, God never abandons His children. I want you to know that as I began to recover from serious health issues, delicate surgeries, and get my PTSD, and other issues, like the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury, into a manageable place, where I was as close to being myself pre-combat, as I've ever been, that I reached out to the family... repeatedly. I don't blame them for failing to recognize the signs and symptoms of PTSD and TBI, especially when the military kept returning me to active duty and the VA said they'd treat me but that there was nothing to diagnose. However, my absence from your life, in these past years, was either your choice and their choice, or their choice alone. I might not judge, but I will condemn them, especially those so-called Christians who failed by judging without understanding, who failed in forgiveness, who failed to be Christ-like outside of their Sunday church appearances. I could not control family splits as a child. I could not control who fought harder for the kids and who abandoned them for the easy path. I could not control the health issues that overwhelmed me, how the military and government ignore those injuries, or how a family familiar with military service could miss the signs and symptoms and so early attribute them to attitude and character.
I always promised you & Papa that no matter what, I'd never stop loving y'all, never stop praying for all of the family, and never stop learning and living my dreams. I kept those promises, as well as the one to try to come back home to see you... but family has a way of only seeing what they want to see, and it was not me. Blood does not make a family; but blood spilled together does. The military was my family when I had none and it seems that the military will remain my family for life. I'm saddened at your departure, for you will never read the books I've written about my many years of adventures across many countries, but fortunately, you'll also never have to feel my pain as I recant my life, from my perspective... including my service in the USMC-R, USAR, NCARNG, and the US Army.
I still live the same motto that every real soldier lives: Leave no brother behind.
The saddest thing in not getting to share some of this with you before you left, was in knowing that some of those who had "served" were there same ones who failed at Service... they left a fellow brother behind. There is no understanding for such behavior from blood and from those who served and should know and understand.
When life is at its worst, that is when you know who is family, who is friend, and most of all, who has integrity and who has none.
We are only responsible to God for our actions, so the sins of your children are not yours to bear and answer for in Heaven. I have done my part to honor, to forgive, to care for the temple, and to return home, in spite of the pettiness and bitterness of two opposing sides, who both sacrificed their own children to the fallout of their own war. I do not feel sorry for the end that they have and will endure, nor for the answers that they must give to God Almighty.
I've kept my promise you write you, somehow, somewhere. I know that your life was long and good, and I am grateful that God answered my countless prayers for your longevity and health. I am sorry that your family was not moved by God, in response to my prayers to see you and them... but they will answer for all things and I cannot hold any anger towards them. I've spent my life between two sides who hated each other, and apparently me as well. Thankfully, I forgave and found myself free of the burden of caring about their behavior. I've spent my life helping others and helping children so that no child might have to suffer without a parent, or caring family, as I did... and do.
I stand alone, the sole living member of My Family, as I bid you adieu and sweet rest in Heaven, where we will one day, finally, be reunited... but without an earthly burdens.
Until then, remember my thanks and my love for all that you and Papa did for me, especially all of those great times down on the lake. I've never forgotten, and I still love fishing, including bowfishing, for which I've held many State records over the years.
Before I forget, I also kept my promise to y'all to fulfill my childhood list of things I wanted to do in life... Serve in the Corps, serve in the 82nd, serve in the 101st, serve in special operations, live fire 16" guns on a battleship, become a doctor, become a published author, serve others who have served this nation, become an ordained minister, and to build the rockets that NASA launches all over the world into space and to the ISS. My Fatherhood was short-lived due to SIDS, but I've been a father-figure to countless young people and seen them go on to achieve greatness in their own way. Also, I still love and cherish All Creatures, Great and Small... for which I have you, Papa and Uncle Johnny to thank. And I have done my best to always forgive others and leave their fate to God and Life. In that respect, Karma has truly outdone herself and done far more than I alone could do. I've lived without the burden of anger, though that did not come early in life... the PTSD, TBI, and chemical exposure, etc took a severe toll on my mind and memory, making it impossible to remember that lesson and promise, soon enough... but eventually, the fog lifted and I kept that promise then, and to this day. The only tears that I have shed came three years ago when I realized all that my parents would answer for at their Reckoning. God impressed it constantly upon my heart to reach out, to still honor... and I did my best. I certainly had no role models growing up as there was no one around to fill that position, but I did my best and after I did, God lifted the burden and richly blessed my life. I have no blood with whom to share His blessings, but I am grateful that at least they answered the phone and allowed me to carry out His mission for my life.
Y'all sat at my graduation in MAY1984 as I gave my speech from Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken." I have truly taken the road less traveled by and that has made all the difference.
You and Papa were one of the best parts of that difference and no matter what your children thought or think, I have never forgotten any of those moments in time.
I have, I am, and I will continue to make my Rendezvous With Destiny... because of the love y'all had for me.
Goodbye, Nana
Love Always & Forever,
Your Prodigal, Forgotten & Disowned Grandson,
~Tex
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Phil and Paula Klann lit a candle
Thursday, November 8, 2018
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Kimberly Carter Loyd posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. She was one of my Grandma Grace Carter's best friends and was such a sweet and caring lady.
Prayers for the family.
Family of Grace Carter
(Kimberly Carter Loyd)
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Barbara Sue Oglesby Nicholl posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Berkley, Joe, and Dottie, Your mom was always so sweet to me growing up, when Betty Jean and I were friends in the same grade at Boonsboro High School. I also remember looking up to Mary who was several grades ahead of us and going to your house to play with Betty Jean in elementary school. We had wonderful times then. Also especially memorable are my days at Boonsboro Methodist Church, where my mother, Eleanor Oglesby, was a Sunday School teacher and organist. Both your mom and dad really personify for me what Boonsboro Methodist Church has meant in my life - caring in a really personal sense, and participation in all church activities.
I am so sorry for your loss.
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The family of Gladys Nickerson McFaden uploaded a photo
Sunday, November 4, 2018
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