On Sunday, August 16, a West Michigan soldier, Nicholas Roush, lost his life in Afghanistan. Hard as any of these situations are, this one seems just a bit harder because, but for the grace of God, could have been my own son. Scott is (as he quoted in facebook) 73% done with his deployment, he is in a relatively safe area, but he is still in a war zone.
Anyway, when I heard that the family wanted the route from the airport to their home church lined with people yesterday afternoon, of course I wanted to be there. Got there in time to join a large group of people all there to show their respects to this fallen hero. Quiet talking beforehand, sharing our links to the military or just our feelings about wanting to be there.
The procession passed. Makes it very real to see a military hearse with a flag-draped coffin in the back, followed by cars carrying obviously grieving family members. After the procession passed, back to the car. There was only one piece of music that I had with me that I could play, it was the service song medley that I have on a CD.
God Bless the Roush family and Nicholas for his ultimate sacrifice.
And Lord, continue to keep my Scott safe.
Good for you for taking the time to express your sorrow for the passing of one of our good soldiers...it does take a village...
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