Remembrance

February 13

I am thankful for rembembrance, those times when we have revered memories of loved ones lost.

This photo was taken Monday at a memorial service for my wife's uncle, Dr. Charles "Jack" A. Curtis. Doc was a Pathologist who spent the last twelve years of his life as Coroner of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. His beloved cowboy boots and hat were on display, as captured in this photograph taken at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Natchitoches. Jack had been a mentor to me when I was a Pathology graduate student working on my clinical chemistry dissertation by allowing me to collect blood samples in what was then his laboratory in Silver City, New Mexico. During the service the family reminisced about his civil war costumes and guns, the civil war cannon he rebuilt from original Smithsonian Institute plans, his Great Lakes biplane, and his restoration of old cars.  It was a wonderful time to gather with my wife's aunt, her cousins, their spouses, and their children. In those family members, Jack left a living legacy. Many thanks to the family and especially to Aunt Barbara and Lee Anne Curtis Knisley for taking such good care of him in his final days.  You are truly Angels of Mercy and proof of self sacrifice for another.

angels of mercy

rain rushed down

in tears of anguish

in tears of joy

given for he whom we honored

from the heavens did deploy

whether by heart or head

but nevertheless washed in the blood

this done in remembrance of Him

to wash away all traces of mud

angels of mercy grounded

duly sent straight from above

sent with forgiving hearts

and unconditional love

and no there will not be regret

for your selfless self sacrifice

angels of mercy with

one way tickets to paradise

and among his last words spoken

with great confidence and care

with a twinkle of the eye

“see your here

or see you there.”

© rt tulley