A Collateral Apology

It has been years now but, to those who meant so much to me, I will never forget you.

The Excuse: 
They say, the person got in our way. There is nothing that could have been done differently that day. "You did everything right. We are alive and alright." 

The Story: 
They weren't the ones who saw the the face and remembered the eyes during that horrific time. That poor little soul, still from time to time, keeps me up at night. And I continued to ask myself, "How is that right?" She wasn't even part of the fight. Having fun and kicking around a ball on the side of her not so safe street. The worst timing in the world happened when it was accidentally knocked onto the dangerous road by her small and uncoordinated feet. 

The Attempt: 
I apologized and prayed trying to atone for my sins. It didn't help the first, third, or hundredth time so I continued to do it over and over again. The vicious cycle didn't stop until I realized that this was never about me or the girl that is already at peace. It's about the grieving family that I never had a chance to talk to or see. 

The Apology: 
So here it goes, this is me telling the family that words and actions will never be enough and I am more than just sorry. 

The Gratitude: 
'Wars not a game and it's more than just what most know - Thank you soldiers for your sacrifices and some see your effort even when it comes to the darker parts of war that are untold and hidden by stories of triumph and glory.'