Being Neighborly

We welcomed a new neighbor on Friday. Actually he had a large welcoming committee. Neighbors lined up at the off ramp near our neighborhood to wave him home. There was a large line of cars bringing him to his new resting place. I lost count after 20; I could not keep track of all the motorcycles with flags waving in the wind. I looked in the cars and noticed men and women of all ages; many in uniform.

Our home is on the way to the veteran's cemetery. Since moving to our new home in February we have seen about 6 funeral processions. They are all significant because the men and woman that lie there have given the greatest sacrifice. For some reason, though, this one was different. This young man was only thirty; just a few years younger than me and Daddy. The young man was wounded in combat. Although he did not die from the gunshot in his shoulder he died from infection after the fact.

The boys and I watched the cars pass the house while we sat on a big rock in our front yard. The American flag that hangs in the yard waved in the wind and would provide sun or shade depending on the wind. The flapping sound the flag made caused Little Man to look up and see what it was. It was odd, how he had his hand on his forehead to block the sun while looking up; I wish I had had my camera at the time.

Little Man asked if he could see "the little boy" that was "going home". I explained that although I call him a "boy", he is really a man. Like Daddy is a man; even more man than some much older than he was. We talked about being a soldier and what that means. We talked about the different branches of the armed forces. We talked about his Daddy, all his grandfathers, and many others in our family choosing to join. Although I know he doesn't truly understand what it all means, I wanted to plant the seed. Our children are so fortunate to have so many choices, I want to make sure they understand why and how they do.






Support them...

*Although I did not create this I thought it was appropriate.