final

to me, a death doesn't feel final until the funeral is over. well, Chad's funeral was today. i'd never been to a military funeral before. that alone made it emotional. they had a slide show going before the service. pictures from all parts of his life. pictures of him with Dylan as a newborn, and as he grew up.

it was sad to see no interaction between Regina's (chad's wife) family and chad's parents/sister. i think there might be some animosity/anger/hurt there. hopefully they'll overcome it so Dylan can know them.

Chad received a purple heart, but for obvious reasons was not able to accept it. It was given to Dylan today. I couldn't see it (the place was packed) but I could tell it was emotional. I hope that boy knows what his father did. And how many people loved, respected, and admired him.

Staff Seargent Chad J. Simon will be missed but not forgotten
8/22/72-8/4/05