Flags & Urns. It’s My Honor to be a Part of Your Story

I wrote this a while back, but wanted to share:

There are certain projects that still set me back. Not set me back on a timeline or anything, but set me back on my heels. They take longer for me to wrap my head around for some reason. They take longer for me to begin. They’re projects where I require more of myself because they’re so very special.

It still moves me to think that these two sailor’s hands can build something that will be a part of a family’s story. I haven’t ever shared how making these monumental projects effects me. I am always extremely honored to be asked to make them, but then, “Who? Me? Seriously? Who the hell am I? I am no one.” That little voice… But I am always honored.

I recently made a thin blue line flag. You may have seen it. I posted it just a few days ago. It was such a project. It wasn’t supposed to be. Although it was ordered before the incident, it was made for a Police Sergeant and I didn’t finish it until recently. On July 4, 2022, the Sgt. and his family were enjoying an Independence Day parade like many Americans. This one was near Chicago. Highland Park to be precise. This Copper tells me he and his family were enjoying the parade one minute and then all hell’s broken loose and he’s protecting them, evacuating them, and then responding to stimuli the next. He rescued his family and then hunted an active shooter. I got to make the flag that will hang on that Hero’s wall. Unreal.

So, to my clients, when I’m building a project for you and it seems to be taking forever, just know that it is. I know it is. And it’s taking forever because I’m trying to deliver an heirloom that your children and their children will admire. It’s my hope anyway and it’s my own damn fault.

Although the flag and the urn are not connected to one another any other way than through me, they still give me pause. Assembling this urn today really made me think of how grateful I am. And how much more thankful I should be.

And to the man who’s urn I’m making, Sir, even though we never met, I want you to know how humbled I am to be this part of your story. And to you and your family: May the Lord bless you and keep you, May His face shine upon and be gracious to you, May the Lord look upon you with favor and give you sweet peace. Amen

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