Honoring a Hero

Last week my little man had the special honor of holding a flag in the funeral procession of a fallen hero.  Tragically, six police officers were gunned down in our local city, and one of them did not survive.  My little boy was one of many who stood outside in the cold to honor this hero and the many others who serve to protect us each day.  Although I was not able to attend, Doop's Grandma and Grandpa reported that he stood proudly holding the big flag as the many police cars and fire engine carrying the body of the fallen officer slowly passed by.  He didn't just participate in this amazing out pouring of support, but he was affected by it.  For days following this somber event, he continued to talk about the things he saw and felt.  He just couldn't understand why this young man had to die.  He couldn't understand why his wife and two children are now left without their husband and father.  It was just too big for him to wrap his little innocent mind around.  There were a couple of things that he did get though.  He understands the courage that it took for this officer to complete his job and ultimately die for it.  He understands that we should be grateful for his service as well as for the many others who serve each day to help keep us safe.  He understands that two little girls no longer have their dad to watch them grow up and experience the things that he gets to with his own dad, and because he understands these things he has included Officer Francom and his family in his prayers every single night since he witnessed and felt all of the things he experienced during the funeral procession last week.  A true hero has been imprinted on his heart, and the small flag and pin that he was given are not the only things he brought home with him that day.  He brought home a perspective that he didn't have before.  He brought home compassion for the families that have been so deeply affected by this event, and he brought home a love for the officers that work so hard on our behalf.  He also brought home a bit of pride in his heart for the community that we live in and the fact that he was able to stand side by side with so many to say thank you for the overwhelming sacrifice that this family and many others have experienced.  I'm so proud of him, and I'm grateful that he was able to participate.  He will be holding on to everything he brought home as a reminder of this day. I hope he remembers it forever.