Sad, Fond Farewell

We said a sad but fond farewell
To our dear Christian friend
Today.  His physical body is no more--
But his spiritual life won't end.

He loved music and had a beautiful voice.
We sang his favorite hymns, and
Watched a video of him singing "How
Great Thou Art" and "I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb."

The minister said a few words, then his
Best friend told some stories.
Then a chaplain with the Air National Guard,
And his boss with the Highway Patrol--all memories.

One section of the church was reserved
For the Air National Guard.
Another for the Highway Patrol, joining us
To celebrate his life and big heart.

We applauded him to show his Mom and brother
How very much he meant
To us.  It became a standing ovation--
We stood, clapped, and wept.

They fired the 21 gun salute in the
Parking lot. And then they played Taps--
That mournful sound that echoes in your mind
And made us use the kleenex in our laps.

Before we left, we gathered outside
And they released white doves.
We'd never seen it at a funeral before,
It was beautiful, seeing them fly to Heaven above.

This is what it meant:  1 white dove represents the peaceful release and onward journey of the spirit of the deceased. A pair of doves symbolizes the journey of the spirit of the person who has died accompanied by their spirit guide or guardian angel.  3 doves released followed immediately by the release of a single dove signifies the Holy Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost guiding the departed's spirit on their journey to Heaven.  10 doves released simultaneously offer a symbolic celebration of the life of a loved one and say a simple, fond farewell.