It was a death investigation where a family member had discovered the deceased. The death was both unexpected and pre-mature. Nothing criminal involved, likely a passing as a result of hard living. The deceased’s mom was there, in tears, and she sat smoking them as fast as she could keep them lit. I was there only in obedience to policy, but I too have lost a son and I felt compelled to talk to her. I was standing tall in full dark blue, while she could hardly keep her head off the table. I took a knee at her feet as we spoke so she could look down at me as I offered my condolences. I didn’t realize the symbolism until the deceased’s uncle, a retired Marine, stopped me as I left. He said, “Thank you for that. It reminded me of military honors for a boy who never earned much respect in life.”
