MWSA Review

One family’s struggle to come to grips with losing a son to war

Having lost my own step-son, I can share the pain and emptiness that the author, Deborah Tainsh and her family have and are experiencing over the loss of her step-son, Sgt. Patrick Tainsh. Though the depth of that loss is common between us, there is great comfort to be found in knowing your child died a hero.

Heart of a Hawk, Eye of an Eagle, takes you through one family’s memories of love and heartache, of a their son Patrick’s struggle for self identity, acceptance and purpose. Deborah takes the reader on her family’s journey through the grieving cycle when they learn of Patrick’s death in Iraq. Share their pain as they go through the denial and anger and experience the effects it has one the family. Cry with them as they each learn how to release that anger and begin to accept their loss.

Heart of a Hawk, Eye of an Eagle, is a book that should be embraced by every military family! To offer comfort to those who have also lost someone to war, to offer insight to those who face this possibility every day – will they be the next to receive that knock. t should be read by every agency wanting to provide support to military families and by those in the community who want to gain a better understanding of military life and the sacrifices that come with it. Be prepared to cry. Be prepared to learn. Be prepared to change.

It is this reader’s prayer that Deborah and Dave can continue to grow together and one day be able to share the joy of who Patrick was, to take pride in sharing his life’s journey and the stories – good and bad that made him the hero he was!

**Note:  Deborah has arranged that a percentage of every book sold will go to support TAPS, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.

Reviewed by: Maria Edwards (2005)

Author's Synopsis
David and Deborah Tainsh were living the happiest years of their lives until the dark morning of February 12, 2004, when a six a.m. knock at the door brought the news that their son, Sergeant Patrick Tainsh, had been killed in Iraq. Patrick, David’s only child, was the pride of his life. He was the son who overcame a rebellious, drug-addicted youth to become an outstanding U.S. Army Cavalry Scout, posthumously awarded the Bronze and Silver Stars for saving the lives of his commanding officer and other soldiers before succumbing to his own wounds. In the wake of their loss, David and Deborah battle horrific grief and anger while trying to hold their marriage—and one another—together in an unforgettable journey toward healing.