He was more
"On Tuesday the 27th, Lieutenant colonel John Laurens was killed". When I heard those words pass through the lips of my wife, I could've sworn my heart had shattered into a million pieces. At first, I was in disbelief. 'No, John couldn't- he can't be dead!' But as she finished the letter, I came to a realization. Something I never thought I'd have to admit in my entire life. John was gone, and he was never coming back. And now I stand in front of his gravestone, with his family and our friends. I couldn't bare to move my head and look at his heartbroken wife and daughter. My fingers intertwine with Eliza's. She held her hand to her mouth to silence her quiet sobs. I had witnessed this so many times, but the tears still found their way down to my cheeks. 'I didn't even get the chance to say goodbye.' I gripped Eliza's hand tighter. I could tell she sensed my pain, but she said nothing. As I listen to Washington's speech about how he was a great soldier my only thought was "He was more that that." John Laurens was a kindhearted soul. He loved his family, his friends, and his country with every fiber of his being. His smile lit up every room he walked into. Even on the darkest days, and on those dark days, he would always fight to bring back the light. His eyes showed intelligence, bravery, and hope. He hoped for the freedom of slaves. He hoped the war would end, and he hoped we could finally be free. John was a friend to all of us, even though he made friends as well as enemies, he still saw them as people, living and breathing, just like he once was. However, he was more than just a friend or a soldier to me. He was more than just another person you forget when telling my story. He was more than just John Laurens. He was my dear John Laurens, and that's the place he will always hold in my heart. As I stare into his Tombstone reading the words engraved on it, I wondered "Was this all you were? A few simple words on a rock that no one will read? No, you were more than just simple words. You were a story. The story I will continue to tell my children, and their children until the flame burns out." And thus, I bid you adieu, my dear John Laurens
