It struck me recently that I never posted video of the many moving moments of August 2017.  Maybe it was that watching them was too emotional, intertwined with the great loss that the month created.  This was the month that Tom first used the words, “signal grace” to me.  It’s a phrase that he had read about that means subtle coincidences that we are offered to remind us of God’s presence right beside us as we walk through this life.  August 2017 could not have been any more of a signal grace.  In my view, Anna’s life had graced so many of us for so long, but it’s as though her life was solely intended for care of her family and siblings, then for Bud’s return and then she could let go.  However you see it, as a pure coincidence or a signal grace, Bud received the tribute that his family never got in 1943.

Bud arrives at LaGuardia

Thank you to Scott Arvoy (Lauren’s brother) for capturing all of these moments that we were too distracted to catch!  This video starts at my mom and dad’s house as we prepare to head down to the airport.  It was the first day that we got to see Bud’s ring, one of the pieces of evidence that was used to identify him.  It continues at the Port Authority headquarters where we waited for the arrival of the plane.  Everything was timed with precision and when it was time to move, we moved!  One item that is not caught in the video is that as we drove to the tarmac we saw a plane approaching its landing and then it quickly pulled up – a change of plans one would assume.  Later we found out that it was Bud’s plane.  Perhaps a signal grace that he wanted one last time in the air – a place he was so proud to be.

You’ll then see the proceedings at the tarmac.  I was astounded at how many people there were – all of the baggage claim staff, the terminal security, and of course, no one who was a passenger on the plane was allowed to move until the ceremony was completed.

Finally we met Abby, Bud’s Army escort from Hawaii, through Dallas and finally at LaGuardia.  We all hugged her for being his final caretaker on his final flight.

I will post the funeral next, but this being Memorial Day, I felt that this video captured the spirit of this day.  We honor those who have sacrificed so that we can be here, free and so privileged.  It’s a signal grace and we’re called to honor it and be worthy of it every day.  God Bless you!