A fitting tribute
Today I witnessed the outpouring of love that only a small community can give to one of its own. Kenai Police Officer John Patrick Watson was eulogized and remembered in a most fitting way.
Our high school’s theatre holds 900 people – the number of people far outweighed that, and the gymnasium held the overflow with a live video and audio feed.
Law enforcement personnel from all over the state, and even other states attended, as did the Head of Public Safety for the state and the Lt. Governor, himself a native of the Kenai Peninsula. Amid the sea of blue uniforms were those in brown, representatives from the Fish and Wildlife Protection side of our law enforcement.
Processional bagpipes were played as the family was escorted in by John’s brothers in blue. Two Alaska State Troopers stood at attention at either end of John’s casket as the Alaska State Trooper/Anchorage Police Department Color Guard posted the colors.
There were 14 chairs stage right – 13 Kenai police officers filed in, leaving the head chair vacant in John’s honor.
Music selections left no doubt as to the love Kathy holds for her husband, or to the love her husband had for his Lord. Many tears were shed as Aaron Neville sang “I Bid You Goodnight” and Vince Gill sang “Go Rest High On That Mountain.”
The pastors from John’s church read scripture and shared their thoughts on both John’s life here on earth, his tragic passing, and his glory with our Lord. John’s own, passage highlighted, scripture underlined, book marked Bible was used by the pastor.
The Kenai Police Chief, gave a eulogy as well, which was thought provoking and heartfelt with emotion.
There was a slide show, highlighting John’s childhood, his life on the force, and his love of family, and motorcycling. There was a twenty-one gun salute (John was also a decorated service veteran) and taps played by the funeral director. (side note: our funeral director plays taps for every veteran’s funeral, and also at Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day presentations. Sometimes he is joined by his son who plays the echo hauntingly.)
As I close, I’d like to share the following poem that is printed on John’s memorial program. The author is Tom Guthery.
To the Wives of Cops
You watch him walk out the door,
Something he’s done so many times before,
Yet each time you give a little start,
Feeling the tremor run through your heart.
Lord, what a man, and he belongs to you.
Your love is real, most of all it’s true.
The father of your children, the reason you live,
Yet he works a job for which his life he’d give.
You note the badge upon his chest,
Knowing “your” cop always gives his best.
He smiles, God what a smile, it sets a fire,
Withers your soul, memories of deep loving desire.
“I’ll be home at six, supper sounds great,”
Inside you know maybe six, maybe eight,
Maybe not at all, as the city takes its toll.
Answering his call, both the exciting and the droll.
What inner faith makes a good cop’s wife,
How does she deal with all the tensions and strife?
How can she raise the children, change a date,
Smile when the meal is ruined, because again he’s late?
Lord, forgive him who wears the badge, he’s often remiss,
To say, “I love you, I care for you,” to more often kiss
The one who waits at home sometimes worried silly,
Wondering if he’s coming home or lying in some alley.
It’s true his job demands an awful lot,
There are calls to be answered and battles to be fought,
To help keep the streets safe for everyone,
He does it at all hours, sometimes with the setting/rising sun.
Help him sometimes, often, to remember her,
Who knows his love for her is certain, sure.
Help him to tell her each and every day,
“You’re the one who keeps me able to face the fray.”
“You are the one that makes it worthwhile,
It’s you that gives me reason to smile:
And it’s you I carry always in my heart,
No one else may ever have that part.”
Posted by Purplemoose at December 31, 2003 04:16 PM
