Sacrifices Made For Us

Last Saturday we were privileged to take part in the motorcycle escort for a very special Indian funeral for a non-Indian. Her name you would not know but she was an employee of the Veteran's Administration and worked as a Veteran's Service Officer helping veterans file their claims and obtain benefits. She worked several days a week out of a small office near the Grand Ronde headquarters for the local indian tribe and veterans in the surrounding area. The tribal members had given her a special honor of an indian name...Laughing Eyes. The pictures told the story of a vibrant 57 year old woman who had lived life to the fullest but was taken "before her time".

The love filled the room as her friends and acquaintances poured in to show their respect. She was one who had mothered and nurtured all she met. They said she had a little special "dance" she would do whenever she was successful in helping another veteran obtain the benefits that were due to him.

The casket was open when we arrived and it was such a moving scene as each disabled veteran approached her coffin to pay their respect. Many were in wheel chairs, on crutches and bore the scars of their service to our country. As I viewed the picture boards which portrayed the highlights of her life, people kept stopping by the squeeze a special little squealing pig that laughed and laughed. Evidently it was her favorite and a symbol of her joy of life. One veteran approached in his wheel chair with tears in his eyes..."I can't believe they put that out"...it seems he was the one who had given her that pig as a gift. He was truly blessed to see it there.

The Indian tribal members choked back the tears as they attempted to express what a difference she had made in the lives of their veterans. The benefits she helped them obtain had a ripple effect in the benefit to the lives of their families and their families families. Especially in the Indian community this is valued very highly.

Toward the end of the ceremony, they asked all the veterans to come down and form a double line around the gymnasium. WOW, probably at least 70% of the crowd were veterans. They stood in attention and saluted as TAPS was played in honor of this special lady. There was not a dry eye in the crowd.

What a wonderful example this woman had set in her dedication in helping others, and veterans in particular. I was truly inspired to do more and wish to pass on to you this inspiration.

Reach out to a veteran where you are and do whatever you can to help them. They have done so much for our country...and continue to do so much for us.

Express your thanks and support, year round...not just on Veteran's Day and Memorial Day. It is greatly appreciated.

OK I'll get off my soap box now...before I fall off!

Linda