 I can
tell that they are preparing to leave and I try to take a mental picture
of them together, because I don't know when I will see them again. I
wouldn't blame them if they were not to return and can only thank them
that I was not forgotten. My wife and Momma near the Wall for one final
touch and so many years of indecision, fear and sorrow are let go. As
they turn to leave I feel my tears that had not flowed for so many
years, form as if dew drops on the other side of the Wall. They slowly
move away with only a glance over their shoulder. My son suddenly stops
and slowly returns. He stands straight and proud in front of me and
snaps a salute. Something makes him move to the Wall and he puts his
hand upon the Wall and touches my tears that had formed on the face of
the Wall and I can tell that he senses my presence there and the pride
and the love that I have for him. He falls to his knees and the tears
flow from his eyes and I try my best to reassure him that it's all right
and the tears do not make him any less of a man. As he moves back wiping
the tears from his eyes, he silently mouths, God Bless you,
Dad.......God Bless, YOU, Son.......We WILL meet someday but meanwhile,
go on your way.......There is no hurry.......There is no hurry at all.
As I see them walk off in the distance, I yell out to THEM and EVERYONE
there today, as loud as I can.......THANKS FOR REMEMBERING and as others
on this side of  the Wall join in, I notice that the US Flag that so
proudly flies in front of us everyday, is flapping and standing proudly
straight out in the wind today...THANK YOU ALL FOR REMEMBERING.
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends John 15:13
Thank you to our friend, Mary, for sharing this very touching article. Mary is very proud of her parents as both served in the Marine Corps. Congratulations and thank you for serving our country as United States Marines. |