Blue Ribbons and Flags

Saturday they laid to rest Officer Aaron Beesley.

His funeral was at my High school and was buried in the same cemetery as several of my family members.

Alex and I had talked with our children about what had happened to this hero, this police and fireman and as part of the fire community we wanted to show our support to his wife and children and fire family. Unfortunately Alex had to work and although my intentions to take the children were good but as some mornings go with four kids it didn't go as planned. I was disappointed but figured they would have some of it on the evening news.

My cousin's husband was baptized Saturday evening. I didn't know the way to the church so I followed my parents. I was so surprised to see blue ribbons lining the road. I realized that this road was the procession must have taken to the cemetery. It brought tears to my eyes, volunteers had walked the 14 mile procession route and tied blue ribbons on every tree, sign post, and light pole. I pointed them out to my children whose eyes excitedly looked for the next ribbon. Lydia was the only one old enough to understand the meaning of what we were seeing. And seemed as amazed as I did.

As we got closer to the city the cemetery was in American flags started dotting front lawns. And then they were every 3 to 4 feet on each side of the road, as far I could see. I found myself no longer able to point out ribbons to the children. Amazing doesn't even begin to describe the view. Business's signs honoring him. It was difficult to hold back the tears.

We turned before reaching the cemetery entrance. The baptism was beautiful, it was great to watch a person turn their life around and a family come together, and the opportunity for an Eternal family for my cousin and her children if they continue on this new path in their lives. There was a talk given how baptism is a representation of death and the resurrection. Laying down our sins and as we arise out of the water clean sinless. A visual representation of a symbolic promise of turning our life over to Christ and becoming whole in Him. Redeemed in Him.  And to watch his face as he came out of the water, the joy there was undeniable.

It got me thinking of when the resurrection will actually happen, the rejoining of body and spirit, husband and wife, parents and children. Because He conquered death, we will too. And how joyful that day will be.

I got lost trying to find the park where the dinner was to be served. I once again found myself on the road lined with flags and was less then a mile from the cemetery. I drove their and called my dad to get better directions. After I got off the phone the kids wanted to see Great Grandpa and Uncle Aaron's graves. Since we don't get that way often I obliged them.

As we walked I observed more blue ribbons and in a quiet corner the many floral arrangements for Office Beesley. Lydia, my sweet Lydia asked if we could leave something at his grave to say thank you. As we hadn't brought anything because this was a unscheduled trip. Then I looked to my Uncles grave. The four flags we placed there memorial day were still there and still looked new. Lydia asked if we could just take two of the flags over. I don't think my Uncle would mind, I think he would have wanted that. So we took  two flags and walked to the floral arrangements. I wish I had my camera with me, they were so beautiful, one from the UHP, one with a firetruck and boot, and many with the words of Father, Husband, Son, Friend, Hero. I sat with the kids and again talked to them about the sacrifice he made. And they thanked him in their own little words. It was so touching. They placed their little flags in the ground next to the flowers and headed back to the car. The children laughing and skipping across the lawn. I just watched them.

After finally finding our way to the park and having a nice BBQ we headed home down the same road, the flags were no longer there but blue ribbons still lined the street. I decided to follow them to the High school. Again the showing of support for this family overwhelmed me. Not just as a person but as the wife of someone who puts their life on the line.

 Lydia asked if they would do this for her Dad when he died and I told her I didn't know. I really didn't want her to know that this usually only happens when they die in the line of duty. Somethings she is just to young to know.

Sometimes I wish I didn't know, that sometimes life doesn't seem fair, that parents shouldn't have to bury their children, young children shouldn't have to bury their Daddy or Mommy. That things change, time goes on and people we love go to their Heavenly Home.....

All in all it was a beautifully sad and wonderfully happy day on so many levels.