A Quilt for Mom

While we  (Sharon, Jess, Laura, David, Jan and me) were waiting for Spc. Eric Salinas' funeral procession to pass in front of Two Cpl. Jose "Joe" Rubio Pfc. Alex Gonzalez Hearts, a young couple, Sam and Claudia stopped and asked if they could join us.  We were delighted and asked if they would hold up a quilt as the procession passed.  They did.  David & Jan (not photoed) held up a pillow of a flag that we have in the store.  The traffic would not stop - they wanted to continue to drive even with this Soldier going to his final resting place.  WE STOPPED THE TRAFFIC.  Holding our quilts, bearing the colors of our Nation,  we all got into the middle of the street.  We were determined those drivers were going to pay homage to this soldier as well.  The look on the faces of surprise and awe - were more than I can write.  Family members rolled down their windows or we could read their lips - "thank you, thank you" over and over again.  I had tried to deliver the quilt to the mother at the funeral home.  I kept missing her.  I needed to get back to Houston, but I knew if I didn't get the quilt to the mother I would probably have the dickens getting an address on her.  Everyone said, "LinMarie just go to the cemetery it's right there (pointing less than 1/8th of a mile) and give it to the mother." I said "ok" thinking I would find some nice looking young officer to give my quilt to and have him give it to Mrs. DeLeon.  When the Chaplain of Fort Sam Houston saw me, "I know who you are, that was a wonderful tribute - come with me".  I thought,"Oh this is great, he'll find me someone to give this to the mother." He leans down, whispers something in the ear of this royally donned officer, who says, "Stand here." I said, "Ok but I just need someone to give this to the mother." He said, "You will." I said, "Oh no I am not dressed for a funeral!"  He leans over and softly says, "You have on pants and a shirt, that was an extremely moving and emotional tribute, none like we have ever seen, you will deliver it.  The officer will escort you"  And, after all of the awards were delivered to the mother and other family members, I was truly escorted by an officer, that I've later learned was a part of the platoon that Spc. Eric Domingo Salinas was with.  I was honored to deliver the quilt to this mother.   All of us felt, "this is the least we can do" to stand for almost 2 hours in the heat of South Texas on concrete pavement.  We all kept reminding ourselves, it's hotter than this in Iraq and they (the soldiers) have on a lot more garb than we do - stop complaining.  This was a humbling effect on all of us.  I wish more of the quilters could have displayed a quilt with us.  We are grateful for Sam and Claudia stopping and participating.