I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that flow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grains.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die.
Author unknown
My father passed away on Saturday, March 10 at 11:19 a.m. My mom and I were at his side as he took his final breaths.
The cause of death was renal failure since he was not given any intravenous solutions other than morphine through a catheter.
The visitation services were held at the funeral home. Many friends and family were in attendance. I met three of my high school classmates I hadn't seen in over 30 years.
At the conclusion of the services, my aunt, mom and I started placing items in dad's casket: his letter carrier "claw" that he used to deliver mail, a can of his Kirin beer (his favorite), word puzzle books and favorite pen, his army medals and rank insignia. The birthday card I read to him on the day of his death was also placed in the casket. All for eternity.
As we drove from the funeral home to the cemetery 45 miles away, I couldn't help but notice how much respect Missourians show for the dead. Cars and trucks would pull off to the side of the road and stop as the funeral procession passed. When we reached the city limits of Macon, the Missouri Highway Patrol escorted us through town to the southern city limits. As the officer moved to the side of the road, he got out of his patrol car and rendered a salute to my father as the hearse passed by.
My father was interred at the Jacksonville Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. The honor guard was from Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Many of the family members and friends had never been to a military funeral.
It is hard to put into words how I feel so I am going to let the pictures speak for themselves.
