I had never watched a soldier fold a flag and hand it to a friend of my mother’s. I had never witnessed a 21-gun salute that moved me to tears. I had never heard Taps played for someone I knew.

Until last Friday.

Our friend Robert was promoted two weeks ago. Promoted from marching at Marine boot camp to running on Heaven’s streets of gold. He was just barely 18. We can’t understand it. But the Lord, in His wisdom, knew that Robert had fulfilled his duty here on earth.

I have never been to a funeral that felt more like a family reunion. We’re not even relatives, but we’ve known Robert’s family for more than 40 years. We gave hugs all around. We caught up with those we hadn’t seen in a while. We laughed more than we cried. I think it was a little glimpse of what Heaven will be like.

I will never again hear Taps without thinking of Robert. I will not see a Marine without being reminded of Robert, who ran around in camouflage from the time he was a little boy. And I won’t see grand Ol’ Glory waving high without remembering those who have paid the price to keep her flying, and gone on to Glory.

Robert never made it to the battlefield, but he fought the good fight even in boot camp. He wrote that everyone there knew where he stood. Robert didn’t finish the run that day, even though he was in the lead. But he finished the course of life. Yes, Robert kept the faith.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day;
and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
-2 Timothy 4:7-8