Mama told me when I was young
Come sit beside me, my only son
And listen closely to what I say.
And if you do this
It will help you some sunny day.
Take your time... Don't live too fast,
Troubles will come and they will pass.
Go find a woman and you'll find love,
And don't forget son,
There is someone up above.
HIS NAME WAS BILLY BUSHNELL. A kid from Arkansas. Nobody special. Liked to spend time swimming in the Buffalo river, and gathering sweet red goodness from the strawberry patch.
And be a simple kind of man.
Be something you love and understand.
Be a simple kind of man.
Won't you do this for me son,
If you can?
He joined the army in 2002. Became a paratrooper. Proud of it. Went to Afghanistan. Went to Iraq. Hurt his shoulder once, and spent time in the hospital. Couldn't wait to get back to his buddies.
Forget your lust for the rich man's gold
All that you need is in your soul,
And you can do this if you try.
All that I want for you my son,
Is to be satisfied.
12 days ago he was alive. Then 11 days ago he wasn't. Rocket propelled grenade came right at him. Never had a chance. And never got married.
Boy, don't you worry... you'll find yourself.
Follow your heart and nothing else.
And you can do this if you try.
All I want for you my son,
Is to be satisfied.
The funeral was at the high school gym. Friends wore Rolling Stone shirts. They opened his casket so they all could tell him goodbye. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s "Simple Man" was playing.
Then they put him to ground. That was yesterday.
His name was Billy Bushnell. He was 24.
And there ain't much more to say.
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This diary by Spread the Word: Iraq-Nam, a daily blog on Iraq.