Detour

Hi all.
So in my last post I promised pictures and adventures with German kids. I apologize for not getting that done as soon as I wanted but there is a good reason why. Life, and death got in the way. We got busy with doing a project for a young boy in Idaho..kind of connected to the German kids. While shopping for supplies for that I got the kind of phone call that one just does not want to get.
We have a friend here in Roswell. Her name is Angel Mayes. We actually got acquainted with her when we were in Las Cruces through the BLM. She accepted a position here in Roswell which for her was kind of coming home. At the BLM here there was a GIS position opening up and strongly suggested that Philip put in for it and she would do what she could to get him here. Well, as you know her and Philip were successful at getting us here and we have enjoyed being friends with her and her husband Don through the years.
Back to the phone call. While shopping in Hobby Lobby for the supplies for the project my phone rang and it was my sweetie. He had just received a phone call from his boss, Janell, informing him that Angel's son who is serving in Iraq was the victim of a roadside bomb and he had not survived. He was Angel's only child. So, she had to fly back east to meet his body coming back to the states and then had him flown here to Roswell where he will be laid to rest.
He arrived at our airport last Saturday, April 28th and was met by family and friends. The above picture is his casket being taken to the hearse. Once placed inside, the trip from the tarmack to the funeral home was a sight to behold. Along with about 8 police cars, 2 fire trucks, the BLM fire truck and the family, a group of bikers called "The Patriot Guard" amassed about 400 riders all with American flags displayed proudly on their bikes. They were followed by family and friends and more fire trucks and police bringing up the rear. We participated in the caravan that traveled down main street as a show of support and I must say that I was moved by all the people that came out and lined the streets with their hands over their hearts and some with tears in their eyes.
So our time has been spent helping her and spending time with her. There is a viewing tomorrow night and funeral Thursday with a full military burial. The "Adopt-A-Soldier" group here is then going to host an open house at the convention center for family and friends and the community.
And, that is one of the reasons I love Roswell. For all of its faults it comes together for one of their own.
For German kids visit highlights, stay tuned...promise.