We had a wonderful trip all in all. We stayed at a place called the DVQ. (Distinguished Visitors Quarters)
It took 2 million to renovate the two buildings, now one. Everything in it is an antique. Tiffany lamps, early pictures of West Point, furniture... etc.
When High Ups stay at West Point they stay here and take over the home. Otherwise there is room for people who need a place to stay because of inurning or interning their loved ones.
Joe's Celebration of Life was out in the field near the Old Cadet Chapel. The chapel was removed stone by stone and moved to this site. It was to have been just torn down, but the Cadets protested Loud and Clear.
The first part of the service at the end of the service was also the Presentation of the flag, and I received 3 shells from the guns that had been fired.
Chaplain Garayua opened the service
When we spoke, Jim lead the Lord's Prayer, Mary read the 23rd Psalm, Joe read something he had been working on for awhile. It was of his memories about Dad and how he tried in everything to emulate him. And then I, Bill and I talked about coming to know Jesus. I talked about Joe's early challenge in the church (Episcopal). Our journeys, tho different were similar. I had questioned Mom about the church as she got ready to drive away (probably to work) and I wasn't to be released from going. I was 8 and I KNEW then that there had to be more... and there is :)
Joe was reciting either The Nicene Creed, or The Apostles Creed and stopped as it was read, and said to himself, I don't believe this, why am I saying this, and he stopped. He went in search of Christ. By the time we were married, we both knew the Lord, Jesus Christ. Bill talked about Joe leaving the War College having been praised by the students and professor (s) to the highest for his final speech. As he walked to the BOQ to pack his things and return home, he had allowed his head to swell and enjoyed every minute of it until he stopped and said.. Wait a minute... and the Holy Spirit spoke to him, for he realized he could never have done that without the Lord. Then and there he renewed his commitment to the Lord of all.
He had a family talk when he got home and told us what had happened. From that time on, he did nothing but grow. An incredible man, to the point, that when he was dying, almost at the end, he spelled out with his finger squeezes, "I Love All"
He had grown to the point, that like Jesus, he could love all. He had strength and was completely alert until the tube was pulled. He could have said, I love you, All, but he did not. And then... after that, he said It Is Time To Move Along. We stayed with him. I held his chin, and within 5 to 15 seconds, I could feel him growing cold. The Lord took him, just like that.
I didn't say all of the above because everyone there pretty much knew the story. I read to them the following. It was one of his last writings before he could no longer use his hands here. Bob Perry added it to the Obituary, so you have probably read it.
"I am not ready to leave this world… BUT, if I have no choice …I AM READY. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I shall fear no evil. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
I have no fear, in fact, I look upon this departure as My Greatest Adventure. I see it as a transition from one life (on earth) to everlasting life. I will look forward to seeing all of my family…in due time.
Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. Accept the comfort and turn MOURNING into MORNING. It’s a new day. . Arise, shine … Let your light shine that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
If anyone feels a Joe/Dad glitch…it is real…it is me saying 'I love you.'"
After that I spoke about his saying, I Love All. and then sat down. Jaime came and stood by me as I was shaking from the cold. And then after the Chaplain spoke for a minute or two we had the 18 gun salute mentioned above, and the folding of the flag. I was given 3 of the shells and the children, 1 each.
When we were finished that, we all walked around the chapel and to the outside wall where Joe was inurned. Another moment of memories.
We walked back around the chapel and I was escorted by a representative of the Superintendant I believe, to our car. Before I got in, Chaplain Garayua prayed for Mike Stevenson and for John Feagin.
I got into the car, as did Bill, and followed the lady who had led us all, back to the DMQ.
There we had a reception... a very very informal one. Many people left that evening. Bill and I and Bob and Mary, Curt, David and Steve spent the last night.
Bob (Joe's brother) and Bettie were there. Mark had driven them. A classmate and former President of 55, I believe, and a gentleman who brought him. All were invited.. including employees, but Charlie and driver were not there. :)
The day we left, Bill took us to see Dad's - Joe's wall spot. Then into the chapel, to see it. Amazing inside and then Bill showed me the plaque for Benedict Arnold. His date of death was scratched out and the reason given was that they did not want him to Rest in Peace. Bill and I both, did not like it, for Christ forgives All who come to him, and no one knows what went through his mind as he died.
West Point has grown... probably doubled in size and construction continues on.
We went a few other places including where we used to live and we could not tell for sure which one was ours as different things had been done to it. There was no longer a 501D.
Then on to Joe's and Jill's where we spent the night. They gave me their bed, but I couldn't go up and down too often as my legs were too weak. The following day, Sunday, we said goodbye and drove to an area where we were to meet our friend Amy. The original place was unusable as was everything around there, and all one could hear were multi, multi sirens.
Someone must have run into a pole for it was an unbelievable happening.
We ended up parking Amy's car. She took us to a gas station first. We were VERY low on gas, but we made it, then we went to a different restaurant and had a long, long visit. Dropped Amy off at here car and drove to around 10 that night and stayed in the Hampton Inn. Monday.... after breakfast, and fixing our coffee as we went out, we drove home, and I began the unpacking for me.
Pretty much says it all. When the new article is about to be published in TAPS and the obituary is online, I will send you the link so that you can read it. It is pretty good. Different from the West Point obit.
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comment. There are many wonderful Episcopal Christian men and women who Know Jesus Christ. It just happened that for the two of us as youngsters, did not believe what was being said, or in my case, knew there was more LOL and went in search of it. Life happens in strange and wonderful ways and for us it led us to meet and know many wonderful people and chaplains in the military and civilian life... including going to an Episcopal church or too. :) LOL
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