On January 18, 2012, Marine Cpl. Christopher Bordoni was grievously injured in a suicide bombing in Kajaki Sofla bazaar.

On April 3, 2012, the 21-year-old died of his wounds in a military hospital.

Not two weeks earlier, Marine Cpl. Christopher Bordon's mother Carol posted the following account of her 21-year-old son's medical condition. It is, among other things, an example of clear and affecting expository writing that Americans should read to understand what the nation has asked and continues to ask of our military, too often without heed and care for the cost.

March 22, 2012

We have been in San Antonio for 60 days now. We realize that since the moment of the "incident", there have been amazing people every step of the way that brought Chris home to us, and have since kept him here with us. We don’t ever ask why this happened to him, for that would be a wasted use of our energy and distract us from our focus of getting Christopher through this. We believe in the power of positive energy, and ask that all of you continue to think of him and pray for his healing.

I wanted to update all of you, but at the same time respect Christopher’s privacy. So, if I am vague about the details, please understand. Chris is still critical and in the ICU. As you may know, he suffered multiple injuries in Afghanistan, and has since faced many additional life threatening conditions while being hospitalized. We have become accustomed to things changing day to day, which is why it has been so difficult for us to provide updates. He is currently recovering from pneumonia that really took a toll on him, so he is very weak and not very responsive right now. However, he is headed in the right direction, and we believe he can overcome this.

Chris is still on a ventilator with a tracheotomy. He has not been able to speak to us. His only way of communicating has been by sticking out his tongue and using head movements to answer yes and no questions. However, at times when his body is fighting so hard to heal or when he is just too tired, even that communication diminishes, which is very difficult for all of us. I heard his voice in my dream the other night, and cannot wait until the day I really hear him say "Hi Mom".

Chris has undergone numerous surgeries. He does great in the OR. We’re sure he’s just showing off for his doctors! Some of his vitals have been improving lately which is a good sign. Also, one of his other injuries seems to be improving and the doctor hopes to resume his tube feeding sometime in the next few days. That will provide him with the additional needed nutrition to heal. We are very hopeful that it will happen soon.

Some days seem so long, but are over so quickly. We are taking care of ourselves so we can be here and support Chris, no matter how long it takes. All of the support we have received from family, friends, community and others from across the country means so much to us, and it is a big part of why we have been able to stay positive and strong. Chris is fighting his biggest battle yet, and has shown all of us what a real hero he is.

Love to all.

Christopher Bordoni, RIP.