twenty one guns

On a quiet snowy day in Santa Fe

the ashes of an old soldier are put to rest

more photos of memorial service

   My father was an unusual man. His self confidence and disregard for what others thought of him made him embarrassing for us children. He could be kooky in his manner and dress, yet utterly correct in his practicality. He couldn't care less what others thought of him, and the truth is we thought he was a little weird. In old age, he had a nice way of not imposing his will on us or others; although as a child, I thought him a tyrant. He lived a clean life with impeccable habits. Low fat, lots of fiber, lots of fresh fruit, lots of exercise; and he out-lived every one of his siblings and friends. No one attended his funeral except three of his surviving kids and his wife who was 8 years younger (and in poorer health). He left all bills paid and no medical expenses. He died in his own house, mortgage free, accompanied by his wife and two daughters. He always preached the virtues of his clean life-style, and living to 96 seemed to prove it.
   At 1:30am we received a call from my mother.