Issue 11.14
The world seems to get faster and more hectic every day. We turn on the TV look on the internet or even read articles like this; it can feel overwhelming and confusing for all of us at times. I read an article recently about and American Hero Navy Seal, Chris Kyle, 38 who was shot and killed. The irony was not the fact that Kyle died due to a bullet wound, after four tours in Iraq as a SEAL sniper, a bullet could have taken him anytime.
Chris Kyle was killed by a fellow veteran whom he was trying to help. Kyle was a husband and father of two young children. He was the author of American Sniper, a book that recounts his service as a Navy SEAL. The book became a best seller. Kyle donated profits from the book to a charity founded by the mother of a fallen fellow SEAL. The charity is American Mighty Warriors.
When a tragedy like this happens, there is so much emotion waiting to be expressed. A large a very public and well organized tribute is needed.
Funerals help all of us know what to do when we don’t know what to do stated Dr. Alan Wolfelt in a recent article he had written “Why Meaningful Funerals are Vital after a Traumatic Death” One of Wolfelts best quotes is “The only way to get to get to the other side is to go through the door” He continues that “Meaningful funerals are doorways to healing for those who mourn.”
I hear many times people say “I don’t need a funeral, or No one would come anyway, or I have out lived everyone.” The funeral is for the living and regardless of the size or scope of the service weather it is a funeral or memorial service small or large, there is a healing that takes place that can’t be accomplished in any other way than to gather with friends, and loved one’s and pay tribute to a life lived and now gone.
Chris wife Taya told the crowd at his service “Chris always said the body will do whatever the mind tells it to. I’m counting on that now. I stand before you a broken woman, but I am now and always will be the wife of a man who was a warrior both on and off the battlefield”. Chris was buried in the Texas State Cemetery will full military honors.
Healing will only take place when we take time to get out of all the hustle and bustle of life and take time to reflect and honor those we love. Everyone has a story to tell.
Todd Bonzo can be contacted at Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.