His was a good life, too short. The recent passing of an LPR student proved to be a stirring reminder of the truly important things in life.
Everyone who knew Steven Wright, LPR Class of 2013, takes distinct inspiration depending on how they came to know him. He was a loyal husband, a father, a brother, a warrior, a defender of capitalism, a defender of the Declaration, a friend, and a classmate.
He was an important part of the LPR family.
Walking to Steven’s April 12th funeral, I passed blocks and blocks of cars lining the streets near the church. The vehicles belonged to members of the overflow crowd assembled that day to pray Steven’s farewell and heavenly repose.
The bumper stickers told a bit of Steven’s story. I wrote some down.
God Bless America. Freedom. Prosperity. Liberty. Support Our Troops. I Work, Therefore I Am A Conservative. Defend the Second Amendment. Romney/Ryan. Air Force. Don’t Tread On Me. U.S. Marines. KNUS. Parent of a Soldier. Land Of The Free Because Of The Brave. If God Didn’t Want Us To Eat Animals He Wouldn’t Have Made Them Out Of Meat. Coffman For Congress. And more.
There were also lots of American-Flag stickers, Crosses, university stickers, high-school stickers, sports teams, and little figures representing peoples’ families. You get the idea.
Steven hung around Americans who love being Americans – the kind who are well educated, who love competition, who are loyal to their friends, who adore kids, who produce something, who love their families, who have courage, and who pray. Steven did, too.
We canceled the regular LPR class that was scheduled to meet the same day as Steven’s funeral. There were lots of us there at the service with Steven’s family and friends.
Many were at the graveside service at Fort Logan National Cemetery. We stood at attention as the Honor Guard removed the Flag from Steven’s casket, folded it, and presented it to Monica. Their kids watched.
Twenty-one rifle shots saluted. Taps was played. Then we all dispersed quietly. The whole thing was very, very sad; and it still is.
Now, the LPR family moves on. We’ll continue to support Steven’s family, and we’ll make up the postponed LPR class. Steven’s classmates will graduate on time.
We’ll reflect often on a good man and a good life. We’ll endeavor to live ours well, too – to love America, and to love being Americans – the kind who are well educated, who love competition, who are loyal to their friends, who adore kids, who produce something, who love their families, who have courage, and who pray.
God bless Steven Wright and everyone he ever loved. May his soul, and all souls of the faithfully departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in eternal peace.