Closure

I was honored to deliver my eulogy at Caleb’s celebration of life yesterday.

I found the celebration to be a great way to get some closure. It was the first time I’d attended a memorial or celebration of life as a civilian, and it felt amazing. Meeting and talking with Caleb’s family was one of my most comforting and healing experiences.

I also got to catch up with some fellow brothers-in-arms, which was phenomenal.

I’m thankful that I’ve pursued healing (both physically and mentally) and experienced everything that I have over the last couple of months. I embraced shedding tears last week as I worked on his eulogy rather than compartmentalizing feelings and burying any emotions.

It felt good to let tears flow yesterday amongst a room of family that was hurting and healing together. One of Caleb’s brothers reminded us that it was a celebration of life and smiling and laughing is good, along with crying.

Rest easy, brother.

Joel