Remembering my Father

Today I cried like a baby watching the movie "Taking Chance."  I've seen that movie a dozen times and there is one scene that gets me crying every single time - it is when they are driving PFC Phelps body to the funeral home.  As a truck passes the SUV, the truck driver removes his hat and turns on his headlights.  Then cars that follow the SUV one by one slow down and turn on their headlights.

Why I cry?

1. It is the Universal time where EVERYONE shows respect to someone they don't know without question.
2. It reminds me of the day of my father's funeral.  Although I was just a child, the memory of me being an observer, watching everyone follow the limousine in their cars with the headlights on.  His funeral procession was miles long. Once inside the funeral home, people came from everywhere to give their condolences.  I remember it was standing room only.  I remember being brave and not crying, mainly because I was still numb.  I had just seen him in the nursing home days before and we thought he was getting better.  I remember once we were at the gravesite, it began to rain. 

When I got home, I wrote my first poem "When it rains, a funeral is going on."  Miss Dora gave me an "A."  She, Mr. Latman, and Mr. Osada encouraged me to write,  they all agreed that I had something to say, probably because I was always talking in class!

I miss my father everyday.  I often wonder if he is proud of me even though I've done nothing with my life.  I never married.  I never had children.  I never had a career.  Somehow, I believe my father would love me no matter.  He was a great guy.

I miss you JBS.