I watched what I could of the Ft. Hood memorial service, and found it good. I was particularly pleased at some of what was said, and some that was not said. Now is not the time to parse the words or actions, or to criticize, but to acknowledge the loss and that which was good from each who took part. I was particularly pleased with certain things said by the President, and in his action of placing a coin at each memorial for the families. The musicians and the singers did an excellent job, as did. Lt. Gen. Cone. I won't claim to speak for anyone else, but for me, watching or attending military memorial or funeral services can just about rip my guts out. Frankly, I've gotten where I hate movies or television that feature taps or a bagpipe playing Amazing Grace. If you, like me, need something to take you away and change your mental state, I would share a memory of my father's funeral that still can bring a bit of humor even during that difficult moment. Dad had a military funeral, and even though most there knew what that entailed, I'm not sure all were prepared for it. Having been busy and going for days since I rushed home when things started downhill, I was tired but busy. Taking care of Dad, his care, and final time, and all that comes with such a loss had been my focus and my way of coping. It was at the end of the service, when almost all was done and I had no more to watch, check, or care for that it began to hit. The final words were said, and the Marines rendered honors. I can't begin to describe my thoughts at that moment, but the first volley ended up taking me almost to laughter. It probably isn't nice of me, but that's where I almost went courtesy of my youngest niece, who was in her early 20s. When the volley was fired, she didn't just jump a bit, she probably came a full foot out of her chair, and then leaped/lunged across her big sister's lap like she was diving for safety. I knew that the loss was hitting her hard, but her reaction (esp. since she did seem like she might keep going for ground and cover) almost made me laugh out loud. I found out that some others present thought she might be hitting the deck too, and had a hard time not laughing. She never realized it, but my niece gave me a gift that hard day that as been a grace more than once since. When services reach that point, and emotions build, I will turn to that memory and find some peace and a reminder that humor is not just the best medicine, it is also one heck of a good shield. May any of you who need it, now or at any time, use that during dark times to drive back that which surrounds. LW
Read the complete post at http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Blackfive/~3/uXeii9h9cE8/the-pain-that-comes-from-rendering-honors.html
Posted
Nov 10 2009, 05:25 AM
by
BLACKFIVE