I cleaned my bathroom today. I cleaned up around the apartment, preparing for a trip out of town next weekend. Perhaps I should have gone to the beach.
Or a cookout.
Or a cemetery.
I probably should have gone to a cemetery.
I’m kind of circling around the subject, but should probably dig into it:
Some people give so much and sometimes I have the audacity to be cranky at all about my place in the world. Shameful.
Today I have to take a moment for each and every man and woman that gave their lives for our Country and yet there is no collection of words I can string together that fits as a tribute for their sacrifice.
I can only say “thank you” and still feel small in their shadow. And feel selfish even mentioning myself.
I am conflicted. On one hand, I want to sound trumpets in their honor, on the other, perhaps quiet contemplation is more dignified.
Either way I presume it’s more appropriate than a tire sale.
Gratitude. Gratitude. Humbled.
I feel small in their shadow.
Inadequate. A failure. Not only for not being able to articulate simply a fitting tribute for their courage, but rather lacking that same commitment to serve. Saying “Thank you” does not even begin to cover it.
Take the moment. Think about that sacrifice.
Memorial Day.
…I think of the days off. The sales. The Picnics. When I was a child, a carnival…
For as long as I can remember it’s never been a “solemn” day…
…I think of a funeral for a friend, my parents’ friend.
Not a veteran…
I was in…junior high? Young.
My parents’ friend died of cancer. Young.
Left behind three children and a husband. Beloved by family and friends.
She was so…
Young.
So many people of so many generations were there at the funeral and I
can remember as that night wore on, it actually became…
Fun.
And people said:
“She even managed to turn a funeral into a good time.”
Her son served in
the first Iraq War and thankfully is still alive today.
*
There is that moment, sometimes, at the funeral when one hears laughter. And there is another moment, sometimes, when it gets so crowded in the viewing room with so many
people gathered around…
And there are people you haven’t seen in so long…
And you get to talking…
And others get to talking…
And laughing…
And the cacophony rises…
And there is laughter. Chatter.
…and the body lies in the coffin. Unaware…
as their Spirit fills the room.
And we all feel safe in its shadow.
C I P R I A N I 
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