A tragic event, sewn in tears, reorders and rearranges a man’s landscape of thinking and believing.

"You Raise Me Up..."

Late Evening, Early Morning- Somewhere in the Middle East and nearly 3 years on the ground...

That phrase kept repeating in my mind as I joined others at the edge of the ramp of a cargo airplane, its jet engines idling, rear cargo doors open, the lights in the bay shining brightly... into the darkness. The wind blew in the cold night and then it started to drizzle... with light but noticeable rain drops. You see, they call this the Ramp Ceremony, a sullen but memorable life-changing event. In recognition of the Fallen Comrade.

I believe it has been repeated hundreds of times over the years of conflict here. It was an unforgettable momento of the celebration of life and the hope of Easter everyday etched permanently into my brain.

Slowly out of the darkness a white unmarked van arrives on the tarmac, doors open, and a simple flagged draped coffin is slowly pulled out by a special volunteer detail. No words spoken, just the sad, sullen faces.

"You Raise Me Up...I am strong"

I promised myself this time I would make a special effort to be there. I didn't do that for others that went home last year because the pain of sorrow was too hard to bear. I knew Lance then but I didn't know John. However, I felt a kinship with him even though I didn't know him. John is headed home to his wife in Germany, then another trip to Texas to be with his family and friends, 2 young girls included- I heard.

"You Raise Me Up...through stormy seas"

I slowly walk up the ramp into the cargo bay of this huge plane where we are flanked by military crew members who stood in silence. The coffin was laid down, and Chaplain said his prayers, his hands clasping a prayer book. We leave and return to the tarmac. I glanced one more time into the aircraft and said goodbye to John. He was only here for 4 weeks and he touched the lives of those around him, his fellow co-workers and his tent mates.

"You Raise Me Up...I can stand on mountains"

There were other sad news of friends departing but the season of Lent and finally Easter holds the promised Truth of Life and that the Lord is here always.

Cherish life as it is and not what it should be. I am thankful, hopeful, and knowledgeable of the fact that He will Raise Me Up when my day comes.

Copyright © 2007 by Myles Saulibio. All Rights Reserved