The Spark Lives on In Me

When I left work Thursday afternoon and made the three and half hour drive back home to Johnston County, I had no idea what to expect when my mother, sister and I arrived at the West Johnston Fire Department.

My mother had called me the week before to invite me to a memorial service for my daddy and others that had passed away in 2009 that had either been a paid firefighter, volunteer firefighter or a firefighter for the NC Forest Service.

After sitting down to a Johnston County BBQ dinner like only folks from Johnston County can prepare, served with potatoes, hush puppies, cole slaw, and green beans not to mention two huge tables of incredible homemade desserts, the service began.

While we stood for the National Anthem, The Honor Guard marched to the front of the room where a white candle was sitting for each deceased firefighter being remembered that night.

This always gives me chills, but this particular night it brought on a whole new meaning for me. Firefighters young and old and some in between filled the room in full dress uniform. As each name was called a firefighter escorted the wife of the deceased firefighter and the family to the front of the room where the slim, white candles stood in formation. Mama lit daddy's candle and then was escorted to the end of the table where a salute was made in his honor and she was given a red rose. As we walked from the table, the daunting silver fire bell rang once.

Each of those candles standing like a soldier ready to serve when called, represented a life, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a family, a friend, a volunteer, but most of all someone willing to give of themselves for others.

As the service came to a close and Taps was played and Amazing Grace on bag pipes, it hit me it was real. My daddy is no longer here. Even though I knew that deep down in my bones and with every fiber of my being, sometimes the realization hits you square in the face when it's a candle that represents the one you love. His spark in life touched so many lives and his flame will burn on in my memory. His legacy and burning passion for life and the needs of others must carry on in me.

Embrace Life,
Ginger