Today is the 14th anniversary of laying Chad to rest in Arlington.
We arrived a day prior. My memories feel as crowded and vivid as the hellacious headache that plagued me. Trying to make sure we had rooms for family and friends. Trying to pay attention to what military family was arriving. Agonizing over a reluctant interview with the Washington Post. Mark trying to rent a van only to find his license had expired. People needing answers, everyone trying to get us to go to dinner because we weren't eating. Mark & I wanting to be anywhere but there having to bury our son the following day. A fucking ton of heartache and life shattering sadness that could not be fixed.
The morning we were leaving for Arlington found us in an elevator with strangers. They looked at us smiling as they said " You're all dressed up, are you going to a party?" Our reply was quiet " No, we are burying our son in Arlington."