Nehemiah 4:14 Reflecting on Monday (Part One)

Yesterday, the Daigles ignored all of our earthly responsibilities and went to the Houston Zoo.

We didn't plan on doing so, but instead awoke, ate, packed lunches and dropped the three big guys off to school. That is our usual start to a Monday. Once we delivered the big ones to school, Larry, Caleb and I went to a hole-in-the-wall for a late breakfast. (This is actually part of our regular Monday morning...grin!)

Where we diverted from the norm came on the way back to the house. We had run a quick errand and were commenting on the gorgeous day. "It's a zoo kinda day." Those were the words that Larry said as he looked out the windshield at the road taking us back to the house. "Yup." That was the word I said as I looked out at that same road.

We pulled into the drive way a few minutes later and Larry instructed me to pack a picnic. We were indeed going to make the most of this "Zoo Kinda Day".

The big guys were only at school for an hour and forty-five minutes.

As we made our way to the Houston Zoo, we took the most logical route, I-45. As we began to make our way south, I began to tweet our local paper.

What's going on at the Wilson Rd bridge over 45? Is it a protest?

A few moments later:

Same thing at the 1488 bridge.

After continuing down the interstate, we began to see that the north bound entrance ramps were blocked by police and state troopers, who were standing outside of their squad cars with their hands behind their back. As we went on, the empty north bound lanes were lined with firetrucks, ambulances, county vehicles, state vehicles and so on. Each parked at an angle with their respective drivers and crews standing with their hands behind their backs. A few were chatting, but there was obviously something big going on.

It must a funeral procession of a member of military or civil servant. 45 is lined with officers. It is a beautiful tribute.

We didn't get to see the procession pass. I had tears in my eyes though. I knew that someone deserving a great deal of honor and respect would be brought up that freeway at any moment. I was so proud of our city and county for the lengths they went to in order to pay respect and to uplift the family of this great person.

A little later, I received a reply from the local newspaper's Twitter account.

it's in honor of Willis Marine Cpl. Joseph Logan

At the zoo, with my four sons, I thought of the loss I would feel if it were one of them. What it I were following behind a hearse, carrying my precious son, and passing the miles of flags, spinning lights, respectful supporters? Never have I been so touched by what a community can do out of respect.

We are praying for the Logan family and we are so grateful that he was willing to fight for us.

I'm also thankful that his family got to bring him home on a beautiful "Zoo Kinda Day" and I pray that God will comfort them with the memories of those kind of days from his childhood as they continue to grieve their extremely great loss.
The Conroe Courier's article can be read here.