DING DONG!
2am. The headlights of a dark sedan illuminated the honeysuckle hedge by the front walkway. Looking through the side window, the porch light reflected off the Marine officers silver insignia. Oh God NO!
We laid him to rest at Arlington.
6 months before he deployed, we laid the foundation of a cabin by the water. “This will be our family’s legacy cabin Pops”! “For generations”!
It’s been a year. I eased up to the shore on my paddle board. Whoosh Whoosh, a bald eagle landed on a log right in front of me. Overwhelmed, I began to weep.
Word count -100
Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wiscoff Write a complete story in 100 words or less based on the photo prompt. Click here for additional takes on the prompt.
-Goroyboy
goroyboy's Blog 
Aw, beautiful.
Thank You Trish for your kind comment.
A poignant piece indeed.
Thank you my good man, I appreciate it!
Dear Raymond,
A gut wrenching story. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you Rochelle.. BTW I like the story telling audio file attached to your story.. very personable
Thank you. One of our FF’rs is legally blind and she suggested I record my stories. I’m happy to know that someone else appreciates my audios. It’s good practice in any event. 😉
Superb – to get all into 100 words, and yet it flows so well.
Thanks So Much, for your kind comment Ain!
Having had that 2am experience… speechless.
From this old Marine, and our nation, we are forever in the debt of our Gold-star families. Thank you.
I thank you, as well. And I mean that. I’m not just saying it.
If you are willing to share your loved ones legacy, I would be honored. But I also understand otherwise. Take care.
It was my fiance. I was 17. He died on his way home from desert storm in a car accident. That time is very blurry for me. It predates my head injury so I have more of what I was told than actual memory. Billy was a good young man.
Bear, Sigh, thank you for sharing your story..We often do things and don’t know “Why” we do them.. your comment and sharing your story is one of the reasons “Why” I write. Peace to you.
Peace, and SemperFi, Bro!
A well-told story with an emotional punch.
Thanks Penny!
G.,
A much needed moment of release for the father. Very movingly conveyed, that feeling that his son had given his life for all that the bald eagle represents of what’s noble in this life, not a waste but an enduring testimony to all that matters. Thank you.
pax,
dora
Thank you for the kind comment Dora. I appreciate the fact that the intended essence, was the essence perceived.. As a US Marine, while on active duty, the politics of the day was in the distance compared to day day life with fellow Marines whose primary focus was the task at hand, to serve something bigger than ourselves. Take care..
I read Miles Rost’s post, then yours, because they are side by side in the link page. I think you guys collaborated 🙂 Well done. I don’t understand, though, why such a message has to be delivered in the middle of the night.
Hi Gran:) thanks for checking in and the nice comment. It’s is my understanding that in consideration of the family, an ASAP notification is the protocol so as to hear it directly and professionally rather than on the news or other sources. Middle of the night might be more common if the loss is overseas in a different time zone. ✌️
Thanks–that makes sense. It just seems so horrible, not only to get such news, but to get it in the middle of the night!
This is a heartfelt story. I could feel his emotions at the end.
Touching … ❤️
Isadora 😎
Thanks Isadora. I am glad it tugged at your emotions, as was my intent. I appreciate you checking it out. ✌️
It worked. You did a great job. 😎