Soft weeping accented the minister's sonorous tones as he looked around the small chapel, jammed with mourners.
"We are here not to mourn the passing of Travis but to celebrate the life of a soldier in the battle of life. Travis was a soldier with heart. His love for his family, his country and his community is unquestioned. He never hesitated to put his life on the line for those he loved- and he loved many and deeply.
"We all remember Travis in different ways. To me, he was the young man who always took time after church services to delve a little deeper into the message of the sermon ... "
Anne's head was bowed, her tissue soaked with her tears. Is there any grief worse than losing a child, she thought. Could any pain be worse than the pain I am feeling now? She was dimly aware of her husband, Dave, gripping her hand. She heard him draw a ragged breath, knowing he was fighting for control, knowing he would lose and be overcome by emotion.
It should be me officiating at my son's funeral, Dave thought. It is my right and my duty. He was my son! But how can I sit in front of all these people and offer them comfort, when I have none myself? Only now do I truly understand how Jesus felt when he cried, "My God, why have you deserted me?" He broke down into great, choking sobs.
Shannon, sitting beside her grandmother, was rocking back and forth, arms wrapped around herself. She still couldn't believe her father was gone. They had made so many plans! She had barely started high school. How could he not be there to see her graduate? This was just a bad dream. Please, please, somebody wake me up. I can't be an orphan.
Beth's eyes were dry, though her heart was heavier than it had ever been. She had done her crying long ago, and often. She had no tears left, just a numbness that engulfed her.
Jeanne wept quietly, great sobs wracking her body. My love, my life, how can I go on without you? Is it possible to die of a broken heart? I would rather die than go on without you.
Mack stood stiffly at attention with the other uniformed airmen at the side of the chapel, eyes glued on the casket of the man he admired most in the world. I never expected to outlive you, he thought. You were the best of us. My best friend. My idol. He gulped to hold back unmanly tears.
YOU ARE READING
A Soldier's Heart
General Fiction"Travis was a soldier with heart. His love for his family, his country and his community is unquestioned. He never hesitated to put his life on the line for those he loved- and he loved many and deeply." So begins Travis Barrett's eulogy. A true her...
