Let's Ride!

As I shared in an earlier post, George had discussed with his wife that should something happen to him, he wanted to be cremated, but he also had a strong desire to be buried with his Pa.  (If you didn't catch yesterday's post, you may want take a minute now to read it in order to understand the special relationship between George and his Pa.)

George's wife had shared with me George's desire, and with my mom's approval it was arranged for some of George's ashes to be buried at my Daddy's feet.  Now Daddy was buried in Poplar Bluff and George's ashes were in Kennett.  So it was time to take a ride.  The Patriot Guard Riders with their American flags flying from their bikes would be riding in the procession from Kennett to Poplar Bluff.  Also riding in the procession would be George's dear friends who had been riding with him the day he was tragically killed, George's wife and her uncle, and George's father-in-law and guess who? Me!  There were others, but I just can't recall who they were, but I am grateful for them!    

Yes, I was taking that ride for George.  Fortunately my mom had kept her black leathers (she and daddy used to ride) and they were a perfect fit for me.    It was an absolutely beautiful day for a ride, the kind of day that George would have been riding.  I kept thinking that George was probably grinning from ear to ear to see his momma riding for him that day.  There were no tears for me on that ride, I was honoring my boy.  

As we arrived in Poplar Bluff and rode up to the veteran's section of the cemetery there were already folks waiting there.  What a sight to look behind me at those veterans on their bikes with their flags flying.  I couldn't help but think how happy that would have made George.  Then to see them dismount, take their flags and stand in position behind the grave site was a picture I won't forget and my heart swelled with pride for all the men and women who have served to keep our country free.

Then a few of George's close friends and some of the family came forward to place something small in the urn that signified the special relationship they had shared.  Once again, my heart just could not believe this was happening. It was as if I was watching a movie of someone else's life.  It just couldn't be mine.  And then it was over.  And people left.  And I went back to mom's house, and nothing in my life was ever going to be the same again. 

I have added a link to the Patriot Guard Riders site.  I hope you'll take time to visit it.  They are a wonderful organization.  And I will always be grateful for the service and comfort they provided to our family that day.  Remember my special friends, there is

Sunshine After the Storm
Blessings
Betsy

Me Ready to Ride 

Arriving at Cemetery