Grandaddy

Our family lost someone very special last week. On November 8th, Chris's grandfather James went to be with the Lord. I knew him as a kind man, one who loved the lake and his dogs, one who was quick to laugh and who told wonderful stories. At his memorial service, I learned that he was also a patriot, an incredibly driven man, a dedicated provider and an extremely hard worker...attributes that made me love and respect him even more.

The service was beautiful, and I'm so thankful that we were able to attend as a family; for there have been other times when we weren't so fortunate. He was laid to rest at DFW National Cemetery after receiving full military honors. The crack of the gunshots echoed in my heart, and pounded home the significance of sacrifice and service. And as I watched the United States flag being folded and handed to James's widow, I couldn't help but weep for the loss of such a great man.

Since Veterans Day was the day after the funeral, almost 200 flags were flying over the grounds. Words cannot describe that sight...it was absolutely riveting. And when I looked over at where my own grandparents are buried, only a few hundred yards away, I was filled with and overwhelming sense of gratitude.

The following poem was written in the memorial service program. It took me a few days to make it to the end of it without crying, but I thought it was important to share with you...we should always remember the ones who have fought, and continue to fight, for our freedoms.

A Soldier Died Today

by A. Lawrence Vaincourt

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,

And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past

Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,

In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.

And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,

All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer for this Veteran has passed away,

And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.

He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,

For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.

Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,

And the world won't note his passing, though a soldier died today.

He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,

But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.

If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,

Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,

Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.

Thank you sweet Lord, for the time that you gave us with Grandaddy...we were blessed because of it. May his legacy live on in us forever.