The Eagle and the Hawke

Saturday a great man was layed to rest. Though I never had the chance and lord I had a few chances of meeting him, by the number of friends and family that were at the house and at the church, I now wished that I had. No better a testimonial could have been made than by the number of friends and family this man, this Eagle had influenced throughout his life. I have the privilege of knowing two of his sons. I could not know two better friends even if I put forth a serious search for some better. Their mother is a kind and loving woman and I had the honor to be able to talk to her about her husband. I know she will miss him greatly as will the rest of his family and friends. His eldest son, the Hawke lived to walk in his dads shadow or even walk in his footsteps. I could see he was doing his best to keep control even though I knew he was struggling with the loss. I had the pleasure to speak to one of his long time friends. This man knows his Catepillar Tractors :) I went with Hawke and his mother to the church. Again, more friends were in attendance. The ceremony there tugged at every heart that was there, even mine. Such an admired and loved man this Eagle was. Once the church ceremony was finished we followed the hearse to the cemetery. It took 2 and at sometimes 3 patrol cars to keep traffic at bay to allow the mile long procession that followed us.

The Eagle was a military man and loved the military. He was an Air Force man. Duty, Honor and Loyalty was in his blood as many a friend and family member would say. I heard that he was only going to get a partial military burial. A flag presenter and one to play taps. Hawke and mom were surprised as were many others when we arrived to find a full honor squad. Pallbearers, rifle squad, flag presenter and one to play taps. No better gift that the military could give than to give him what he would have wished for, To be buried with full honors. It brought me to tears as the honor guard went through their steps, carrying the Eagle to his final resting place, the folding of the Stars and Stripes, a 21 gun salute the playing of Taps.

Once the ceremony was completed, we returned to their house. If there was one word that resonated through the house with such laughter, it was the word "chicken". Seems there was plenty to go around lol. The night continued with rememberences and plenty of pictures. They even managed to corral me into a pic with Hawke and Alodar. "The Three Knights" as one of their friends mentioned. The Hawke, the Wolf and Alodar. What trio...lol After the last person left late in the evening, everyone went to bed. The morning would come and I would join Hawke and her mom at church. She had asked if I would go with them.. Who am I to turn down such an offer from a grand lady? With church finished, it was time for me to depart and continue with my drive to the Orlando area. I will never forget the past couple of days.

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To my best friend I have this to say.

Your father was a great man. He was the Eagle. He lived a full and complete life and I am sure that he will still find plenty to do in the company of God. From what I have heard and learned about him, he won't be sitting around but will find more projects to do. :)

The Eagle has flown into the sun and now the Hawke will fly in his stead. You are my friend and I can only say that I am a better man knowing you. God Bless you , your mother and family.

You got to be kidding me.

Friday proved to be my test of will as I was put through all kinds of trials just trying to get to Pensacola. Originally, it was planned that I would make it to the viewing but in the infinite wisdom of the Fleet and with a little help from my optimistic friend Murphy, everything began coming apart at the seams. Drove 188 miles west to a shipper that kept me there from early friday morning to 2 am saturday (yes I missed the viewing). 2 more hours would pass fighting with another damaged trailer before I was finally underway and racing the clock to get there before the funeral started. I managed to get there with an hour to spare. What a ride!!! At least I still manage to look good when I got there. (waits for the Shroom's resonse.) :)

Prayers and Condolences

Today I received word that my best friends father passed away. I know the hurt and loss he is going through as I know he loved him very much. I loved my dad also and was very close to him. The day he died took the life out of me. I don't think I could have coped without the help of friends to pull me through. To this I offer him and his family my prayers, my hopes and condolences. I know that God in his infinite mercy will take care of him and grant him preace. I know that he will be waiting for them when their time comes and they will be reunited.

I will see to making a pass through where their parents live to be there for them. I owe them so much for their kindness to me. This is the least I can do for a great friend like him.

Mexican Food!!!

I ended up getting talked into one last run before I was to take a 34 hour break which put a kink in my plans to stop and visit my friend. I instead came up with an out of the box idea. "Kidnap El Numero Uno!!!" Not rhetorically but a good thought. I got him in the phone and he was willing to go along for the ride. Let me tell you, riding in a truck, arriving at a receiver and then expecting a quick turn around unloading the contents was a real education, not to mention a real appreciation for coffee. It took a few hours to get unloaded. My illustrious guest succumbed to the trials of trucking and I had him catch a snooze in the sleeper. Once we finally got unloaded, we headed back to his house and relaxed in anticipation of a drive to his favorite restaurant and a righteous plate of Mexican Chow!!! The food of the gods!!!! After many months without the good food, I finally realized my dream with a plate of Burrito Colorado con arroz 'y' frijoles.. (Big hint to Schroom)...:P