Funeral

Yesterday I went to my friend Renay's father's funeral. I went to support my friend and ended up feeling how very blessed I am in my life and how little we truly know of the people around us. Renay's dad was 85 when he died and although I had only met him a couple of times I enjoyed what I knew of him. Imagine my surprise when I get to the funeral chapel to discover he was during World War II a "hump" pilot which flew planes from India over the Himalyas into Burma and various parts. There was a wonderful scrapbook on the desk with pictures and stories about his life - fascinating. Anyway it was a lovely service leaving me with the impression of a man who was deeply loved not just by his family but my his friends and neighbors as well. After the service we went to the cemetary for the graveside service and for the first time I saw an Honor Guard ceremony. It was one of the most moving ceremonies I have ever been priveliged to participate in. His coffin was draped with the American flag and there was a lone bugler playing. After a word of prayer the other two honor guards folded the flag. These gentlemen consisted of an older man, sargeant I think, with the most amazing number of medals on his chest with another young soldier maybe 19 or 20. It was very clear the younger soldier was nervous and wanted to do everything just right and what was even clearer was the older man encouraged him all the time with just looking at him. As the younger man slowly folded the flag I could see him get more calm and confident as he worked his way along. After the flag was folded he saluted the older soldier who now held the flag and left the cover the of the tent. The soldier holding the flag knelt down in front of Renay's mother and very quietly said some things to her then he stood up saluted and left the tent. As the three soldiers moved quietly away they stopped about 20 feet from the tent and saluted one last time. A deeply fitting tribute to a man who did what he had to do at the time and who never made a fuss about it. As I was watching all of this I started to remember my maternal grandfather who I had not thought about in a long time and how interesting a man he was as well. He too served in the Far East during WWII in India and Burma in the British Army. A quiet, deliberate and modest man who I do not think about often enough.

It was a good day for me as well in the fact that I got to hang out with a friend of mine Carol, someone I had been distant from for a while and during this time of reflection which it is when death is around I was able to say how much of a blessing that she had been in my life. No matter where we are now in our friendship it does not negate the laughter and joy we have had in the past. She has been as close to me as a sister and it was a delight, given the circumstances, to see and talk with her again.

Well its been a very quiet morning so far with me and Alex hanging out at the house. So far its not been too hot so hopefully we can enjoy this day of celebration.