Remembering

For some reason, I remember the officer standing in front of his car.  Lights flashing.  I don't remember if he saluted or removed his hat.  But he stopped traffic so that we might pass by.
Family.
Friends.
I remember feeling like the world should just stop.  Even for a few moments.
Because our hurt was so great.  Our grief so real.
Papa had passed away.
Two years ago today.
I guess in a way, that officer helped at least the busyness of the road to a stop for a while.
There are other things I remember.
The food.  There was so much!  I don't know if it is tradition everywhere or not but as the news spread, the food came.  I think Papa would have gotten a kick out of it all.
People stopped by.
Flowers were delivered.
There were the men in uniform.
The flag.
I remember our tears. 
Still, I have tears sometimes when I think about my Papa.  He was so special I could not do him justice here.   Those of us who were blessed to know him-- we know.
I find myself thankful for the tears, though.  Because it means I had a Papa to love and remember.