Taps for my wife.

Ed Hernandez · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2017 4:29 pm Post subject: Taps for my wife.

Just want to share what just took place on June 26th, during my beautiful wife of 39 years burial at the Veterans Cemetery.
I am a retired Army Major and just lost my wife after a 5 year battle with Cancer. I find comfort in that she's now healed in heaven. As I went into making funeral and burial arrangements, I thought about researching the appropriateness of Taps. The Veterans Cemetery did not have a problem with it as long as I provided my own horn player. I researched any regulations against it and there is none. I even found a 2008 post addressing this matter here on TH. Knowing, that I didn't think I could play it myself (too emotional), my Big Band Leader (a heck of a trumpet player and dear friend) offered to play it before I even asked. By the time we arrive to the cemetery from the service, it had started to rain. I spotted Steve P. With his horn under the umbrella his wife was holding above his head. The burial service was quick, about 15 minutes, then Steve started to play the most beautiful rendition of Taps and Then I noticed that as soon as he started playing the rain suddenly just stopped and a bit of sun rays filtered through the clouds unto our location. OMG! Thank you God for embracing my Denise into Your Glory.
Ed
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razeontherock · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2017 4:37 pm Post subject:

I'm sorry for your loss - thank you for sharing such a beautiful story. May His Peace be with you

A.N.A.Mendez · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2017 6:34 pm Post subject:

Very cool. Sorry you had to do this. Sounds like a great memory for a tough situation.
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burnhamd · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2017 6:59 pm Post subject: So Sorry.

Brother I'm so, so, sorry for the passing of your wife. You and your family will be in my prayers,

Dan
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kehaulani · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2017 8:58 pm Post subject:

That's a touching story, Ed. God bless you and God bless your wife.
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GeorgeB · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2017 7:31 am Post subject:

Beautiful story, Ed. I lost my wife a little over 5 years ago after a 2 year battle with pancreatic cancer, so I know what you are going through. And like you, I have a strong faith and a belief that she is well in Heaven. And also like you, I have experienced things, that only serve to confirm that belief.

I have only been playing for 16 months after a 50 year hiatus, and one of the first things I did when I was able to play well enough again was to take my horn to the cemetery one morning and play her favorite song : Always. It was the hardest thing I ever did but it was just something I had to do.
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Don Herman rev2 · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2017 7:44 am Post subject:

Condolences Ed, and a wonderful story. I recently lost my Dad and though we were not all that close it still randomly hits me out of the blue that he's gone. Last tough one was Father's Day when I realized I was without mine on that day for the first time in my life. The one who said "time heals all wounds" did not say how much time. Hang in there and let the music help heal the spirit.
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GeorgeB · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2017 9:04 am Post subject:

plp · Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2017 8:29 am Post subject:

That was a beautiful story, and my condolences for your loss.

You will see her again, of that I am certain.
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