Those Who’ve Gone Before

This morning I packed my things and left. With my husband. To the airport. Where he transferred my care and safety to eight other men, most of whom are police officers. We are headed for the Philippines.

For the next two weeks, eight men and I are taking the Courageous movie to members of the Filipino military and law enforcement and their wives. We will make connections, talk about family values, God, and provide resources for their families, one of which is my book, A CHiP on my Shoulder.

Today is a travel day – looonnnng. But one very cool break we took this afternoon was to visit the VA Cemetery in San Francisco. We took communion by breaking a loaf of bread and drinking red juice from dixie cups, the Guys and I. We then went our separate ways through the cemetery, reading white, uniform headstones, contemplating the sacrifices that they and Jesus made for us.

I was drawn to two particular headstones of a couple. Francis fought in both World Wars, which means he was probably a career military man. Macy C was buried alongside him, an honor that she deserved as his longtime love, longtime companion, longtime support of her man on the front lines. They’d lived their lives far beyond the wars – probably had children, grandchildren, maybe even great-grandchildren.

I wonder if she comforted him when he came home from the wars – wiped his brow when he awoke from the nightmares. I wonder if he kept his visions to himself, or if he dared to share them with her. I wonder if she lived in fear of the dreaded telegram, and if she comforted her friends who were afraid or who actually got a visit from a uniform. I wonder what her feelings were when he had to go into battle the second time. Would he cheat death a second time?

I made note of their last days on earth. She died before him, just five months prior, shortly after I was born. I smiled to myself when I thought that he just couldn’t bear to live without her.

Ladies – whether your man is with the armed services or with law enforcement, you are a warrior’s wife. And we can take courage from those who’ve gone before.