We all say goodbye differently
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We all say goodbye differently.
On June 28, 2005, Michael Murphy, a US Navy SEAL, was killed in action in Afghanistan. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions, which were recorded in the book and movie Lone Survivor. Mike was an enthusiastic participant in CrossFit before his death, and on August 18, 2005, one of his favorite workouts was renamed in his honor. From that day on, “Murph” has been done in his memory - often on Memorial Day or on the anniversary of his death and twice in the worldwide Games competitions.
There was a gentleman in our community who was known for handing out strips of Juicy Fruit gum that he had torn in half. You never encountered the man without leaving half a stick of gum richer. Before his funeral, we tore sticks of gum in half, put them in a bowl, and set the bowl by his casket.
We all say goodbye differently.
I’ve seen congregations chant responses during a funeral mass.
I’ve seen a SWAT team take a knee before a casket and shout the Lord’s prayer.
I’ve seen 21 gun salutes and moments of silence.
I’ve heard a church full of people sing “I’ll Fly Away”.
I’ve seen families throw themselves over caskets.
I’ve heard Mothers and Fathers wail.
I’ve seen a community ride together to a crematory to usher their dead to the fire.
I’ve seen family and friends sit up all night with their dead.
I’ve seen graves filled by hand by truck light.
I’ve watched balloons become a speck in the sky after their graveside release.
I’ve seen a brother rip hair out of his head to drop onto the dirt.
A CrossFit workout done on the anniversary of a man’s death, given his name.
Pins slammed into wooden caskets.
Handmade quilts draping the pews of a church.
A final round of applause.
A bowl of Juicy Fruit gum sticks, torn in half, at the head of a casket.
Jewelry laid on the dead.
Liquor slid into the casket unbeknown to the mourners.
An arrangement of flowers shaped like a pack of cigarettes.
Bagpipes, taps, Psalms, Freebird.
We all say goodbye differently.
But we all say goodbye.
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