An Ocean Between Us (L.H.)

Chapter 17

I put on my uniform and fasten on all of my medals. Today is the funeral for everyone else in my battalion. I’ll also be getting my badges for the mission. We’re also turning highway 2A into our very own highway of heroes. We’ll go all the way from Red Deer to Edmonton, where the funeral will be.

I finish putting on my uniform and go to the bathroom. Luke helps me put my hair in a bun as my arm is still in its cast. Then we leave and drive to downtown Red Deer, where we start our journey.

I get loaded into an army vehicle with Luke and then we start the drive. I roll down my window and look at all the people who came out to send my partners off. I just sit back, grab Luke’s hand, and try to clear my head.

This is actually harder than going to Iraq was, and I have no idea why. Maybe it’s just my post traumatic stress disorder kicking in again. Ever since I came back I’ve had lots of depression about what I went through over there. I haven’t told anyone because it’s not that bad, therefore it will probably go away on its own. I hope it’ll do that anyway.

Soon we’re in Edmonton. I sit in the front row with Luke and then the ceremony for my medals starts. I quickly get them fastened on and take my seat again. Then the funeral starts. The families of everyone all give a speech and then it’s my turn. When I walk up I place a poppy on each of the coffins as it’s a tradition in the military.

I wish I didn’t have to play the role of strong survivor and captain but it’s the role I’ve been cast into. Throughout my personal speech for all of them I barricade my tears and push down the lump in my throat. I’m practically choking out my carefully written words. Finally, I’ve said everything I had written. I go back to my seat and continue to force back the tears.

Once the service is over Peter’s wife comes to me and says, “Do yourself a favour and go home, ok? None of us will be mad if you miss the burials.”

I nod and Luke and I go out to the car. He pulls me into his tight embrace and I cry into his chest. Then he loads me into the car and we start the drive home. 

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Thanks so much for 351 reads! 49 more and we reach 400! I know you guys can do it!

Anyway, I'll put a video on the side. It's the video that basically inspired this chapter haha. Please watch as it is an absolutly inspiring and beautiful video.

Please vote/comment/share! Thanks! -Becca