A life was cut short. I never really met the guy, but the impact that he had on everyone’s lives was extremely inspirational. He influenced many lives. Although it was a few years ago still I remember as though it was yesterday. Coming home from school during the fall of my eighth grade year. It was about a few weeks after football, so I would just come home from the bus. I walk in the house and my mom told me someone in my family has died. She I remembered exactly who he was. I remember going up to his mother’s cottage on the lake, my aunt. He would then take the kids out tubing and everyone would be smiling having a good time.
The day of the funeral was horrific. He would go to the house he lived in, everyone was very quiet, kids running around playing with their toys. Krispy crème doughnuts lay wide open for everyone to have. After everyone was done we would walk outside where they have limos waiting for everyone in the family. Now this funeral was different than any other funeral. He was not just some average guy; he was a firefighter, who loved serving his city. They had a viewing for everyone to attend; people came pouring in from all walks of life.
After the viewing we piled back in the limo and went straight to the church. Now this trip was not any normal one, there were people piling the streets with signs and such showing their support for the lost firefighter. Going through town it was basically as if the whole city shutdown to pay their respects to a man who gave his life in the line of duty. This moment in my life is one that I shall never forget.
At the church where they held the mass for them we sat in a pew towards the front of the church. If I remember correctly it was a pew in the right middle. The church was packed they had no room for anyone, also the streets outside were packed with all of his supporters that were not able to make it in. The only this I remember about the mass was his son and his speech. I have never seen anyone so strong able to stand up there give his speech and not even shed a tear.
After the mass we then went back into the limo, and again the streets were piled up with supporters. They again had signs and just everyday citizens that did not know the guy sit on the sidewalks just to show their appreciation for what he did. I will never forget driving into the cemetery they had two fire trucks with the American flag strapped in between both high up in the air. During the cemetery they had the family down by where he is being laid to rest. During the cemetery they had five people with their bagpipes play amazing grace. The whole day was sad but memorable. The influence he had on the community was unreal. One thing that I will never forget is the fact that firefighters from all walks of life came in from all walks of life just to be there for their fallen brother.
It sucks lossing someone like that. it is very hard to deal with. He sounds like an amazing guy.
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