He was to be buried in Minnesota, next to his Dah. I'd never been to a Military funeral before, so I wasn't sure as to what to expect. A big do, lots of military types, I guess.
"Excuse me" a hand taps my shoulder, sending me out of my daydreams, "Sorry to startle you" he smiles genuinely.
"James, nice to see you again. Only wish it could have been under better circumstances." I smile bitter sweetly.
He lowers his head, as a young man approaches us, smiling at James and myself. "Oh, Sister Reilly, this is one of Jack's teammates. Daniel, this is Sister Reilly, one of Jack's old school teachers." He offered introductions to Daniel and myself as we shook hands.
"The Sister Reilly?" Daniel questions, as James nods in compliance, "Wow, Jack spoke a lot about you" he smiled, "Good things, of cause" he added as an after thought, still smiling. I was a bit taken back, surprised as the young man's relative enthusiasm. He reached into his breast pocket, and pulled out an old, scrappy piece of paper, "Jack asked me to give this to you" he spoke as he handed me the old torn paper. Unfolding it, I realised it was the list that had been written 35 years ago, on that hot summer afternoon. "He said he's taken it on every tour of duty, that it was special, so Thank You" he turned to leave, heading over to a young woman, in Dress Blues, and a tall, well built, dark man in civilian clothing. "Oh, he also said to say.. I'm sorry Sister, Thank You!" He smiled again, I could tell he didn't know the full story behind it, but seemed to understand Jonathon enough that it was important. He returned to his companions, as I turned to James, and found myself laughing and crying at the same time. The Small Things..
The service begun, a eulogy was given, General George Hammond he called himself. He spoke of Jonathon's bravery, his commitment to the service, to his country and his loyalty to his teammates. Underneath it, I could see a man hurting; Jonathon held a special place within his superior, much as he had within me. Then Daniel, the man I had met earlier, took to the small podium. His speech was far more personal, not of his gallant battles, or his heroism. No, he was there to simply thank Jonathon, for helping him get through tough times, for, in spite of his constant ribbing, always letting him know he supported him, in his own special way. He mentioned rocks and a tissue box, to which a few laughed at. An inside joke, no doubt.
"..And no matter how much trouble we always found ourselves in, how much we, or rather I, hurt my self, Jack always brought us home safely at all costs. But this time, he got us home; the price was more than we were willing to pay. Jack died saving our lives. It's a debt you can never repay, but I hope he knew just how much he meant to all of us. As hard as it is to loose someone as to you as Jack was, I know he'd be happy where he is, reunited with Charlie." He paused for a moment, composing himself, "Where ever you are Jack, Thanks. For everything".
Daniel stood back, as the woman he'd been sitting with before grabbed hold of his hand before he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, crying together. The tall man stood protectively at their side, attempting to mask his own grief. It wasn't till then, I realised the tears falling down my face, my own emotions cascading over me.
A coffin draped in the American flag was carried up towards his final resting place. Daniel had followed the coffin next to him, walked the young woman their eyes still bloodshot, but the tears were at bay, followed by his other companion and young James, walking silently behind as Jonathon made his final march. As the coffin was lowered, a gun was raised, and three shots fired, echoing in the silence of the small Minnesota cemetery.
The Last Post played to the silent grievers, signifying then end of the day for Colonel Jack O'Neill, farewelling the fallen hero at the end of the road, on his way to be reunited with Charlie, and his Dah.