It was heart-tumbling to hear that we are at war, again, as I drove past the Pentagon on my way to Arlington National Cemetery and the Women’s Military Memorial to serve as the clergy presence at the celebration of life of my beloved cousin Colonel Patricia Ann Hess Jernigan.
My cousin, Pat, died on the Feast of the Epiphany. There are few women for whom I have greater respect. The celebration of life was put together by her huge community of women veterans. The final internment of her cremains will be in over a year at Arlington National Cemetery. Sadly, there are many deceased veterans and those killed in action ahead of her.
We gathered in DC on Friday and had an evening with family that was full of story telling and tears and laughter and even first steps of one of the youngest members of our family.
The day of the service we met at Arlington National Cemetery, going through security, and then taking the short walk to the Women’s Military Memorial. Our first view inside was of Pat’s photo and military biography which was featured at the entrance to the museum.
I don’t have enough words in my vocabulary to express the emotions I experienced as six remarkable women veterans told stories about the extraordinary impact that Pat had on our nation’s freedom. With even more accounts from family and friends during the open mike, our time of honoring Pat lasted nearly two hours.
My conversations with Pat in the last few years, such a woman of integrity and truth, had grounded our talks about the state of the current goings on in our country. As a woman who had served our country with such generosity, her perspective mattered greatly to me.
As I fly back home today, taxing and lifting off past the Capital building, the Washington Monument, and the National Cathedral, my heart is full.
Mourning with my family and the extraordinary women who have served faithfully at the loss of a woman who epitomized the best American values.
Grieving wholeheartedly the decisions being made by the leaders of our country which are contrary to those best American values.
Grateful for the laughter and conversation with my beloved family.
Knowing that my hope is in God. And God alone.
House of Grace 