Robert and the 29th face of 100 Faces in 100 days

Today my portrait is called Robert. Yesterday I went to a funeral. It was Robert's father who passed. Robert and his brothers and parents lived in Africa when we did. Robert was in my class. He was shy and sweet. Sometimes other children that were less shy and over confident seemed to pick on Robert. I always felt protective of him. This was again .. all under the age of 11. I saw a few other people at this funeral who were also children who lived in Africa. I had not seen them in over 20 years. Some I didn't recognize most I did. But I had to hug each one, I felt so delighted to see these long ago children that I played with and that were long time friends of my parents. It seemed so odd to me to see them aged. Amazing how the pictures stay in your mind as you grow older, the memories never age. But here we all were balding, gray haired and more comfortable in our skin. I didn't really know Robert's father too well. I went for his son's but mostly for Robert. He was always a sweet boy and I think he will always be a sweet boy, even with his big eyes and graying hair. I was heartbroken to see the deeply felt loss expressed on his face as he listened to all the accounts that were spoken of his dad. His last parent to say goodbye too.

He was buried with military honors. Once everyone was seated or standing by the graveside. The actions of the soldiers were slow and precise. It was so moving to watch two military men walk from their present poised position of attention and slowing walk to the casket. It seemed like everything slowed down and all eyes watched as their hands held each corner of the flag and their fingers holding gently this flag and their fingers trailing down to the corners of the fabric holding all the way down. Eloquently, they removed the flag from his fathers casket and began to fold it so precisely and carefully. I was impressed with the pomp and circumstance of their fully decorated uniforms and the reverence with which the two soldiers interacted with each other. Their eyes even strategically looking at the flag the entire time, the purposefulness of each fold and then transferring from one soldier to the other. Their respect for the flag was felt as gentleness and caring so strong that it hung in the air like a sweet perfume. The trumpet playing taps and then the final act of placing the folded flag in the hands of Robert. He saluted the soldier. There were no tissues .. we were excused...i walked quickly toward the car I was riding in. There was a long silence. Then I enjoyed the reception afterward. The sharing of a meal is always a good time to reminisce and meet family that you've never met. We talked about getting together as a group of children who lived in Africa. I hope we do.

To Robert, be gentle with yourself as you grieve. Remember always what was good. Rest and find time to look for joy again. My thoughts are with you and your family.

So today's portrait painted with Robert on my heart and mind.  Available for $29 today. Send me a message to iwilldream4ever@aol.com if you would like him on your wall. Thanks for following me on the journey .. I'll see you tomorrow. I hope you hug someone and say I love you to those you mean too. ciao