A Funeral, A Parade and A Missed Birthday

Monday was a day that was filled with emotions. My son is in 5th grade and he marched in the annual Georgia Day Parade. It celebrates the day that James Oglethorpe landed on the river bluff here in Savannah and Georgia was founded. About 5,000 children participated in the parade. He was so excited to be one of them. His dad and I waited on his school to pass and we joined them in their march to City Hall. When he saw us his whole face lit up. He was so happy we were there...and we were very proud of him. His school won first place in the banner contest.

However, back at the school, in the church there, a ceremony of a much different kind was taking place. A funeral was being held there..the funeral for the mommy I wrote about who was killed in a car wreck. As my son was glad to see me, her son was grieving. As my son was marching in a parade, her son was saying goodbye. As my son was laughing, her son was silent. As my son planned for tomorrow, her son wished it was yesterday. As my son stood smiling, her son sat weeping.

But the saddest of all is the little girl..she will be 6 on Sunday..she doesn't understand where her mommy has gone. I know this because she was overheard saying," I sure hope my mommy comes back before my birthday." But her mommy won't be at this birthday..or any birthday to come.