So, What will be on YOUR Headstone?

 Caleb,

Just in time for Memorial Day, you have a headstone - and it looks so good!

It sounds weird just to say that. 

I never thought I’d have to plan a headstone for one of my kids. It’s one of those things people joke about when they’re young:

“When I die, put {blank} on my headstone.”

Like:
“It’s dark down here.”
Or:
“No vacancy.”

Or for you:
“LET’S GOOOO!”
Or:
“As for me and my kingdom, we will serve TACOS.”

But when it becomes real -  when you’re actually choosing the words that will be written in stone to memorialize someone you love while the earth keeps spinning around without them - suddenly it doesn’t feel like the place for wit.

You only get a few words. A few lines to capture a life.  

Sorry, buddy. We weren’t clever, and we definitely weren’t brief.  The words on your stone are the same ones we put on your funeral program.

But they fit you perfectly:

"In memory of every hug, high five, knuckle bump, handshake and smile he ever gave."

Those who knew you - they would know!  The words just fit.

“Ayóó ánííníshní” means "I love you," in Navajo. It is a lovely and commonly used phrase among the Navajo people in informal settings. It conveys a deep affection and care for the person you are addressing. 

As you learned new words in Navajo, you would share them with us on our P-Day calls.  This one was the latest word.  You were so good at saying it (at least is sounded like it to me), and I would try to say it.

You would correct me.

I would try again.

You would say, "Good enough," with a big grin.

You loved serving with many good Navajo friends and this phrase just needed to be included.

 Then there's the back.

Paige mentioned that it was weird to have her name on gravestone already.  I can get behind that sentiment! 

On the other hand, we are proud to be a part of your story! I think you'd like the words we chose.

We are proud to remember all those who have served our country, including the millions whose names we’ll never know. 

 

We remember our grandparents, our parents, and now you, on this sacred day of remembrance.

Someone will eat an extra burger for you at our Memorial Day BBQ. 

 Probably Jesse. And Dad.

 Love, Mom

PS - For anyone reading this, if you want someone to know what to put on YOUR headstone, just drop a comment to them.  I'm still working on mine. :)