I was born on this day in 1974. Also, on this day in 2008, we laid this man to rest. My Papaw; my mothers father; Freddie Vernon Lewis. Some people may find this tragic or sad. I consider it an honor. The man died as he lived. Honorably and loyally, passing just 18 days after his wife of 63 years, Lois Neff-Lewis, in the same hospital bed she died in. Because of his funeral being on this date, I will never forget it. Each year I remember it with vivid clarity. I remember it for both its solemnity and and its beauty. I remember how quiet the ride from Crawfordsville, Indiana to Jamestown, Indiana was up to the point when my mother and sister spotted a Bald Eagle, my Papaws favorite animal, standing on the side of the road watching the funeral procession go by. I remember the tired, weary veterans of the local VFW lined up in the snow with their rifles, and my sister and I nervously laughing when one of them inadvertently pointed one at us. I remember unloading the casket, and my brothers, cousins, and I carrying the man that used to carry us. I remember the VFW Members firing their salute as my brother, Greg Smith, conducted the flag presentation dressed in the uniform of a United States Navy Officer, as crisp and white as the Indiana snow cover. I remember keeping my composure until the bugler played Taps. I love you Mamaw and Papaw. I cant wait to see you, and to hear your voices, once more.
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 12:47:17 +0000
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