Between the Crosses

“Between the crosses, row on row”, from “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae. That poem always stirs my thoughts to my Dad and how with God’s help, he survived his time in WWII. My sister and I are grateful for our parents who instilled in us how to love one another, how to accept all peoples and how to be respectful to everyone.

This time of year is a time of remembering. Remembering and having gratitude for our freedom.

I decided to reread my Dad’s journal from D-Day. He landed First Wave on Juno Beach. What astounded me is the number of times he said, “It just missed us.” Or, “We were out of there before our position got bombed.”

God is with us through all our trials. We are never alone. And for those whose lives we lost, we are forever grateful for their sacrifice. Lest we forget.

During this cancer journey, I have had such peace from all the prayers. And peace from God, Himself, as I read His Word faithfully every day and journal my thoughts.

I remember seeing my parents kneeling at their bedside together in prayer. I have an indelible picture of that in my head. My Dad knew he was saved for a purpose. He lived his life as an example of goodness, kindness, and respecting everyone. He was truly a gentle man of God.

There is something special about the poem when I read, “between the crosses”. God is there in that field. He mourned over their losses. He knew the cost. His One and Only Son died on a cross.

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor.
1 Peter 2:16-17

I wrote a poem after reading my Dad’s journal.

My Dad, The War, His Walk

Although my Dad didn’t talk much about the War
Because he wanted to live in the present – he still
Created a record of
D-Day, the
Efforts, the
Frustrations, the
Guns

He kept all his feelings to himself and
Instead of burdening us he
Journaled
Kept notes, maps, pictures, uniforms, and helmets

Letting the past
Move back – it was
Necessary to
Open a new door
Putting his family first

Quieten his spirit
Rest in God
Seek to get along with others
Taught his children kindness
Understood to live his purpose, it was
Vital to live in the present
Walk daily with Jesus
eXcited to see the blessings as
Years flew by until his
Zed (February 15, 1993)