i know that no one really likes funerals but today i went to a really emotional one... A junior firefighter lost her daddy tuesday morning to a massive heart attack and we as the junior firefighters went to the funeralvisitation to support her... I think it was the hardest thing i have ever had to do, even harder than the funeral for family members i have been to recently..

The man was a decorated war veteran and immediately when you walk in you see the honor guard men walking around and those guarding the coffin, you smell the sickly sweet scent of flowers and then you see one of your good friends standing diligently by her daddy's coffin, mascara streaked on her face trying to be brave as people she doesnt even know try their best to comfort her. Her mother is adjusting things in the coffin trying to make him look the best he can. Then the guard changes and people respectfully step out of the parlor and allow the guard and the family to be the only ones in the room for this solemn event. At this point my eyes were watering and i was at the back of the line... a slidehow is playing of his life to the song "you should have seen it in color," family members and friends are dabbing their eyes as our group makes their way in, the advisers dressed in uniform, us juniors dressed nice. We were all able to keep ourselves composed as we watch the guard change 2 more times.... our head advisor walked up to give her a very fatherly hug and she just broke down sobbing and every time i heard her cry it was like a knife in my heart.. this girl is tough, she has numerous medical problems and still shes able to put a smile on someones face everyday and to see her break down like that just bothered me to no end.. i sobbed and when i got up to her i just gave her a big hug and we cried together for a little while... i walk out and get to the parking lot where my ride is iwaiting and we all had red eyes.... its something that you cant describe to see a man who in his free time saves lives and property crying.. it really makes you realize that no matter how tough you seem or act, that we all have the same emotions....

i ask you to pray for my friend in her time of need.... unfortunately this is the second time in the last year a junior firefighter has lost their father unexpectedly... but its so much different when youa re really close to the person and actually know the deceased... please pray for my friend... lord knows she needs it