Sister’s tribute to late Special Forces brother killed in Jordan

Over 500 people were present yesterday at Jimmy’s services in Houston. It was awe inspiring. Only Jimmy could pull that kind of an audience. Thank you to those who came to be with us as we shared our favorite stories about our favorite person. If you couldn’t make it – we felt your spirit, thank you. Here is my speech, for those of you who would like to read it:

My name is Melissa Moriarty, this is Becca Moriarty, and we’re Jimmy’s older sisters. You all came from all over the world to be here today, and it means a great deal to us. We feel your love, your thoughts and your prayers. Thank you.

Last Friday, we heard the news that three US Military trainers had been killed in Jordan but we didn’t know who they were. The moment I heard the news my heart dropped and I went into action mode. I packed up my things at the office and ran home. I couldn’t stop shaking and trembling.

By the grace of God one of my closest friends just so happened to be in Bogota and she just so happened to be in my apartment as she waited for her redeye flight home to Houston that night. She hung out with me and kept me company, I have no doubts that an angel had something to do with it.

As the hours passed we all felt more and more at ease, while we hadn’t heard anything from Jimmy, we knew that usually the families are notified within a few short hours of the incident. Jimmy, famous for being hard to get a hold of, was likely out of reach due to the day’s incidents, we thought.

I felt too shaken up to read, work or watch a movie, so for whatever reason I felt compelled to write Jimmy an email. I never hit send, because part of me felt like he would think I was overreacting, so I saved it to my Drafts folder.

I’d like to share what I wrote:

Jimmy,

It’s 8pm my time which means it’s well past midnight where you are. Every time my phone rings or buzzes I jump…this is the one time in my life I don’t want my phone to ring, unless it’s you. So – please call!!!

By now, if you weren’t okay we would’ve already found out. Thank god no one has called us or rang our doorbells today.

Maybe I’m over-reacting, but I want you to know that you are one of the most amazing human beings on this planet – you’re so loving, such a source of joy and laughter. I adore you. I am so proud of you. I love bragging about my badass brother.

I don’t know what you’ve been through today or what happened, but I have a feeling you were really close to what happened. I have a feeling your world might have turned upside down today. I have a feeling you really want to talk to us and be with us and let us know you are okay, but you may not be allowed to you, or you may not have access to communication tools.

I don’t know what’s going on, but today was a really, really, really scary day. For a second the thought came into my head that something might have happened to you – and it was the most horrible, sickening feeling. I was shaking and trembling…you’re my Jimmy. You’re the sweetest, kindest, coolest, funniest person I know!!!

I called every single person that might have connections in Jordan or at the state department. I called Fort Campbell. I talked to some douchebag Marine at the embassy who wouldn’t put me in touch with the active duty officer – or whatever they’re called – but I got his email from a friend and wrote him anyways. I was pretty damn close to getting on a plane to Jordan so that I could be there with you to make sure you are okay myself.

You may be bigger, faster and stronger than I am, but you’re still my little brother and my first instinct is to protect you and make sure you are okay. I think you are probably okay, but god today was a scary day.

I love you more than you can imagine. I am praying you are okay. I called on all of my closest friends and they are all praying for your safety too. Bianca has been saying hail Mary’s all afternoon. Paula and her mom lit a candle. Claudia and her family are praying as well. If you can feel it, there is a lot of good energy out there hoping you are safe, okay and unharmed.

I’m sure that as soon as you can you will let us know you are okay. I love you so much Jimmy. Please come home soon.

Love,

Your big sister