By R. David Shew
Certain things make you want to cry. Other things bring back wonderful memories. And some things can make you sad. Friday was one of those days.
A friend from high school asked me and another high school friend to be a pallbearer at her father’s funeral. I prefer to think of this day as a “Celebration of Life” service or a “Day of Reflection.”
The friend’s granddaughter spoke and stated that her grandfather was the “last member of his generation and their family” to pass. This statement resonated with me all day.
Gone was the wisdom of his life shared with family and friends. Gone was the free spirit of his life. Gone was the smile of a great grandson playing with his great grandfather. Gone was the joy of a granddaughter watching her grandfather dancing across the dance floor. However, the memories remain.
At the cemetery, I was honored when a friend asked me to help hold the flag that was draped over the coffin since the wind was blowing across the field overlooking Eastern Kentucky University.
Two members of the Army Honor Guard were there to salute another veteran who had served to protect his country. A member of the Honor Guard played Taps before the prayer ceremony at the cemetery. My high school buddy stated that every time he hears Taps played, it brings a tear to his eye for his father.
When the flag was folded by the two Honor Guard soldiers, it brought back wonderful memories of being a fifth-grade Patrol Boy with friends from elementary school. Yes, it made me thankful for this memory.
When the flag was presented to the daughter as a gift of their appreciation for his service to our country, it was truly a time to reflect on her father’s life of service to our country, his family, his business, his friends, and his entire life.
My friend was surrounded by her family all day. Their support showed the love that they share through good times and bad times.
Thank you for asking me to be a part of this day to reflect on life in a small town.
