Thursday, November 11, 2010

We Remember

Today Angela and I observed remembrance Day. Not only did we remember those who gave so much to our country in war but we most of all remembered you, the one who gave us so much in life. As well as that, we remembered the trenches. We were there with you in that horrible war that took you away from us. All of us who loved you so much each have memories of that battle that we fought right along side of you. Each of us have scars and wounds that we will have for the rest of our days, yet here we are, we live on but we will never forget.



You can see our reflections as if they have been etched into the stone as if we had become a part of the epitaph. In truth we are. We were such a part of who you were just as you were such a part of who we are. In this way you will always be remembered. You will always be a part of who were are. Time itself can not erase this. You will always be remembered by us and when we are gone and time has removed all of us who remember you, we will be with you.



O God, Our Help In Ages Past
Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast and our eternal home.

Before the hills in order stood or earth received her frame,
from everlasting thou art God, to endless years the same.

A thousand ages in Thy sight are like an evening gone,
short as the watch that ends the night before the rising sun.

Time like an ever rolling stream bears all its sons away,
they fly forgotten as a dream dies at the op'ning day.

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
be Thou our guard while troubles last and our eternal home.

Amen

12 comments:

Eve said...

Ah, Chris. I was determined not to cry today and you've just ruined all that. I wasn't able to visit Ed's grave today as he is buried in Twin Falls, about 2 1/2 hours from here. I have been remembering him as a veteran, as I read stories of other veterans he is there. He served through two wars, and served well. I miss him as I know you miss your John. But I know we'll be together again, and that gives me peace.

Eve said...

PS I was inspired by your blog yesterday when you talked about widow food. I used it as my topic today. Thanks. =)

Melanie said...

The headstone is beautiful. I've been thinking today too of all the things that people have been giving their lives for who aren't necessarily soldiers. I'm thankful for all the things Uncle John brought to the world that changed it for the better - and I'm remembering. Lots of love from us.

Margaret said...

Beautiful headstone. My favorite part is at the very bottom. "Loved a lot"

Christine said...

Maybe I am being weird but when you look very close at the photo, the one with the reflections, I can see my feet and I can see Angela's feet and the shadows of our bodies but it almost looks like there is a white robed figure standing sideways between us reaching toward Angela.

Bientje said...

Hi Chris, it's been too long since I have been reading here! And it seems we all have our worries... so it really is no excuse, but still...
The picture of you and Angela's reflection in the headstone is beautiful. And I saw what you wrote here in the comments... and you know what? You are right...
Big hug,

The Invisible Mo said...

Ok...so when I looked at the reflection, I clearly saw three people. I immediately assumed it was you and two of the kids. I seriously thought the white robed person was one of the kids and was either hugging you or the other kid. So after your comment I enlarged the picture and all I can say is...there is someone there between you. Not sure if it is one of your angels or ??? but I can't make it go away even when I try. I'm pretty sure that is someone there.

Christine said...

LOL Hahahahaaha! Mike just debunked the third person theory. If you look at the photo carefully it is clear that it is Angela squaring with her arms resting on her knees and her white scarf hanging down and the camera up at her face yet every time I look at the picture I am still going to see a heavenly form.

Becky said...

You guys are weird. It is CLEARLY one person squatting and taking a picture. I'm glad Mike was around to calm you all down, but if you'd called me I would have told you that too.

Becky said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Toad said...

no no no it's baby jesus.

The Invisible Mo said...

I see it, I see it! lol.
But really! Even knowing that it definitely looks like three people standing there.



conaze

That picture just conazes me!