Letter to the Editor
Sgt. Michael C.Taylor
Edward has written a song a completed a video called “Letter to the Editor” inspired by the true story of Army Sgt. Michael C.Taylor and his mother Stephanie Tompkins. You might remember the story of this family from the national news broadcasts and newspaper articles the story received.
Sgt. Michael C. Taylor sent a Christmas card to his mother while serving in Iraq. Stephanie received the card in the mail just hours before Army officials came to tell the family that the 23-year-old soldier had died when an improvised bomb exploded in Iraq.
The Story Behind The Song
“After I saw the news report on TV about Sergeant Michael Taylor and his mother Stephanie, I felt like I had to do something to help comfort Stephanie and her family,” states Ed. “I am a strong supporter of our military, and I felt like it was Christmas time and I am here with my family safe because of soldiers like Sgt. Michael Taylor and his families sacrifices,” ” I immediately went and got my guitar and the song seemed to write itself I had it written in 10 minutes,” states Ed. Ed sent a copy of the song to the Funeral Home where the services for Sgt. Michael Taylor were to be held, and asked them to give it to the family. She received it on Christmas Eve, which is significant because of the song’s chorus which follows.
He gave you future Christmases he could have spent with me.
He gave you all his presents could’ve been under our tree.
He gave you a gift you can’t unwrap on Christmas day.
So to you my friends I have one wish.
You’ll remember my son’s Christmas Gift.
Stephanie Tompkins mourns the loss of her son, Army Sgt. Michael Taylor, along with her other son, Justin Taylor, and her husband, Curtis Tompkins, left, on Monday. Sgt. Taylor, 23, of Hockley, died Dec. 7 in an explosion near his truck in Iraq.
Billy Smith II: Houston Chronicle
Billy Smith II: Houston Chronicle
Letter From Stephanie to Edward
Dear Mr. Silver,I apologize for the length of time that it has taken me to respond to your letter. I received it on Christmas Eve from the funeral home and I consider it a Christmas present to forever cherish. I cannot thank you enough for the honor that you have bestowed on my son, Sergeant Michael Taylor, through your beautiful song. You have my highest gratitude for your inspiration and the incredible intuition that lead to your creation of “Letter to the Editor”. I could not find the words to express what I felt during those weeks of waiting on the return of my son from a foreign land, but you so hauntingly captured my feelings in the wondrous chorus of your song. I, like you, believe that those who give their life for their country deserve the gratitude of America and should be remembered for doing so. Today and thenceforth, I share my son with America. God bless you for your compassionate ways and thoughtful consideration. Like my son, you have gifted me with a present that cannot be unwrapped, but can always be carried in my heart and soul, as a beautiful reminder of my son, the hero.With Love and Sincerity, Stephanie Tompkins(used with permission)
Edward Silver
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