Reappearances

[clww]

Great post that brings tears to my eyes.

[Jeff]

Today I went over to my friend Mike Foster's place and used his reloading tools to work on the cartridge given to me. I laminated and placed my favorite photo of Pete with some dates and his military info on it within the cartridge then sealed it with a bullet. I placed the dead primer back in it to keep it sealed. Then, I drilled the new bullet so I could put a ring on it. I plan on carrying it and do not want to ever lose it.



  

  

[Darrel]

That's pretty awesome Jeff. 

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

Wow.....got to give you credit. Thats awesome. 

[LAZERDAN]

Jeff    sorry for your loss.   I still have the shell from the 21 gun salute from my FIL's burial.  wwll  stormed the beach at Normandy, crossed europe like private ryan, came home with a box full of metals, german guns knives  etc, never saw any of it until after he died.  He never said a word.  still have that cartridge.  I like what you did with yours.  Your story is so respectful, you have a way with words.  NICE tool box         Lazerdan

[samandothers]

Great job on the bullet key chain keep sake! 

Maybe with that rifle you'll see more deers.

Will you be able to hit more? 

[doctorb]

It's unbelievable how one thing connects to the other.  Like the others....Great post, Jeff.  Very heartfelt at a most basic, loving level.

[Jeff]

Yes, if you think about it, I now have my Dad's chest because of Pete, and his looking out for me. If he had not called me with the heads up, it simply would have gone away. My Dad loved Pete. Pete used to do all kinds of things with him. He always went with dad when dad wanted to cut wood.

[ellmoe]

   Thanks for the stories, Jeff. I have that same rifle, bought in '75 or '76'. I have some rope, short pieces that my son used to tie off his truck tarp when hauling nursery trees. He was the last person that touched them and every time I handle them, I feel a physical connection. These items will keep you loved ones connected.
Mark

[Jeff]

Actually, this rifle is a bit rarer. It was made in 1963. It is s h o r t! The barrel is only 16.25 inches long, and that includes what is in the receiver.  It's a marauder model.

[slider]

Good post Jeff thanks for sharing.

[SwampDonkey]

Very happy for you Jeff that you have many things bestowed on you to recall those fond memories. Things have a way of travelling in circles it seems. 

[Farmerjw]

Very sorry you had to have the experiences needed to write this post.  But also glad to hear you see the best side of things.  The bullet added to the shell with a hole for the keychain is a very nice piece of work.  I have helped many of my woodturning students turn the shells from a grandparent's funeral into a pen.  I will remember this idea and use it also from time to time. 

[51cub]

Thank you for sharing this story.It's well written, and with beautiful pictures. It's nice that they thought of you at the time, so you could get these things. I'm sure they will be appreciated, and cherished through time

[Bandmill Bandit]

Jeff
In loss there is always gain and as is the case in your situation this gain has a lot less to do with the  heir loom "things" you now posses that you did not a week ago, But in the oral stories (mythos) that are the evolving legends of your family.

What you have experienced is that you have been entrusted with and are now a keeper/protector of part of  the "grail" of your family because you have shown your self faithful in the eyes of your family.

You have done well in this and you will pass it on in your own good time to the next worthy one when that time comes.

The gain is the Mythology that will continue to define the family to which each of you belong.
The "things" are the relics of that mythology that you will hand on with the story that is your families legend.

Tell the story well when the time comes! As you have done here.

Heart felt condolence for the loss! I have been there!

Congratulations for the gains to the Family's heritage!
You deserve it!


 

[Logger RK]

Very good post.