Pop's Funeral

i'm so glad that the girls and i were able to go back to virignia to attend pop's funeral.  it was a very small service, with only family.  he served in the air force, so he was buried in Quantico National Cemetery.  it was a lovely, peaceful service.

it was such an honor to be present for this ceremony.  beautiful things were said about a truly amazing man. 

 it was humbling to witness the flag being placed on pop's casket.  and was a reminder to me of the millions of men and women who have served and are serving to protect the freedoms that my family and i have.

the most moving part of the ceremony was when the flag was presented to my grandmother.  it was such a beautiful, honorable experience for me.

 we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful fall day.  pop's grave site is in a quiet spot, very close to the trees.  the colors while we were there were amazing, it was the kind of day that pop loved.

one of the songs pop requested be played was 'rock of ages'.  reid was able to record himself singing and email the recording to my mom, so we were able to listen to it as we placed roses on his grave.  tears blur my eyes as i write this.  i will never forget the spirit and peace that i felt in those moments.  the veil felt so thin to me as i held my baby girl, and listened to the beautiful music. 

 

i've seen death pull families apart, but i felt like the opposite was true in this case.  seeing the relationship between my mom and her siblings grow, the love and respect they have for their mother, and the time and effort taken by grandchildren and great grandchildren to attend is a testament to me that families are forever. 

we love you pop.