My husband's family lives in Italy. They have a very strong belief in the power of prayer. They prayed for Derrick hourly, daily, non-stop while he was in Iraq during OIF 2003. They have a hard time with the name Derrick, and so they prayed for David. Well, I in turn would say the following prayer: "You know the Italian family praying for David, could You just redirect those prayers to Derrick please?" They prayed for him to have a sign that would keep God in his heart.

Just before Derrick's unit crossed over the LOD (line of departure), a few days before the war started, Derrick found a crucifix in the sand, picked it up, and put it on his dog tag chain with his St. Christopher medallion. He wore it throughout Iraq. In addition to the rigors of fighting their way to Baghdad, he was in an drowning accident with tragic results; Derrick survived, but the Marine he was with, William, died. Derrick was screaming underwater for God to help him get William out. God was with Derrick and his prayers were answered. He got William out, and William was able to spend a few more moments on this earth before being taken to the arms of the Lord.

When Derrick returned home in 2003, he handed me the dog tags with the crucifix....a gift for me that I decided I would save until Derrick had a family of his own, so he could pass it on to his children.

While he was stationed in Okinawa in December, his unit got word they would be going back to Iraq in February 2004. He called me immediately and asked for the crucifix and medallion so he could have it with him during his 2nd tour of Iraq. I got it out of my jewelry box, and for the first time, noticed that it was engraved with "Italy" on the back. My Italian family's prayers were answered. Derrick indeed had a symbol, from Italy no less, that helped him to keep God close to his heart.

While Derrick was in Iraq for his second tour, the crucifix was lost. We hope that it went into the hands of someone that needed to keep God with them, near their heart. I can't imagine they'll notice "Italy" engraved on the back, but if they do, and our stories somehow meet up with each other, we'll all see again the miracle of God's work. Derrick recently came home safely from his third tour and I praise the Lord for answered prayers and continue to pray for God's loving hand to touch the hearts of our Marines and military in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Before I sent the crucifix to Derrick in Okinawa, I was so amazed by seeing the Italy on the back, that I scanned it, just in case something happened to it in the mail; we could remember what it looked like and I could try to get another one made. I may do that some day, but for now, I continue to hope that the original is connected to another young Marine's dog tags, keeping God close to his heart.

God Bless and Semper Fidelis,
Tracy Della Vecchia