[Mkguild] Memorial Day

[cokane8116 at aol.com]

I wrote this in memory of all who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
   Chris   The Lurking Fox




Afterward
-----------------

   It seems strange to sit here and write these words. The visitto the cemetery went well. It seemed so peaceful, a fitting place for them torest. It took all of us to find the right stone. There were so many, too many.Jessica found it, laughing and running among the crosses reading name. Shethought it was a game. I think John would have liked that. He always lovedkids. Too bad he didn't live to see his grandchildren. His daughter Janetbrought a huge bouquet of flowers and spent a long time fussing about theirplacement. Still, after that she stood quietly by the grave for a long time.Then she presented her own granddaughter to him. "I want you to meet yourgreat grand child, Sarah Ann," she said.

   Lord but Sarah has John's eyes, and Janet has his voice.Every time she speaks I hear him and his face comes back to me, as young andalive as ever. That's how I see him; laughing and joking. I remember how weused to laugh, and drink and party together, and I remember how hedied.  At least it was quick, painless.

   The faces of all those I left behind come back to me, John,Willie, Andrew, fat corporal Hernandez. To my children they're nothing butnames carved on stone, but to me they're faces, young faces that will nevergrow old. I remember seeing Hernandez screaming with his legs blown off, I seeAndrews body scattered all over the ground, and I remember the shriek of theshell that killed John. I see their faces again and I wonder if their deathswere worth it. I cried at their graves and I'm crying now as I write this. Wasit worth it?

   Suddenly I feel the touch of a small hand on my arm. It'sJessica come to see why Grandpa was crying. She hugs me and gives me thepicture she drew to cheer me up. It's of the flowers at John's grave.

   Were their deaths worth it? Yes. I see my gigglinggranddaughter wiggling in my lap and smile. John always loved kids.

   End
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