A Letter From Chris

I have a few things to write about today. First and foremost, remember that entry I wrote about the WBC going to fallen soldier's funerals and protesting, calling them names and such? Yesterday, a group of riders banded together to go support the family of one of the fallen soldiers. My husband was one of them. He sat down after he got back and wrote about it. I'm quite impressed with his words, so I think I should share them. I will note that when he speaks of "fleas", he is speaking of the WBC whackos.

Here is what he wrote:

"Tired and frozen (after a long day), I decided to write my report later. Little did I know that it would be at 1 in the morning. Couldn’t sleep with the thoughts running through my head. So here we go.

Started the day early at 4 am. Had to work from 6:30 am to 10 am. After my assistant manager arrived at the store, I hauled it on home to dress for the ride. Only 29 degrees when I pulled my 1100 VSTAR Silverado from the shed. I had a big, thick sheet of ice in from the shed and realized….this may be a long, cold day. I held it upright as I pulled it forward and made it across the ice (5 ft). Lucky? I think not. This mission was destined to happen and I was riding…hell or high water for SSGT Harper, Jr. and his family.

Hit the road to 1030 am. Roads from Quincy, IL to Jacksonville, IL were pretty clear and I made good time. At Jacksonville, I had to defrost the toes and add an extra set of gloves. Hooked up onto Hwy 104 and thought to myself that 50 miles should roll by easily. Never thought about the back roads of Illinois and how snow drifts and covers the road. I came across maybe 4-5 small drifts that were 1-3 inches over the roadway and sure and steady was my hand. Someone was watching over this ride and the pulse in my veins as present and sure.

Arrived in Virden about 1230 pm and passed the meeting place but no one was there. I was late but not that late? As I drove through town, I cursed myself for not ensuring that I had Mapquest’d the schools location. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a huge American Flag waiving in the breeze. Once again, a steady hand eased my bike onto the side street and I approached the “huge” gathering of PGR rides. I say PGR riders because they, members of the PGR or not, were there to honor SSgt Harper and his family. I roar of applause occurred as I pulled in “late” but a sign of support for cold rider and a most welcome thought passed through my mind, I knew SSgt Harper would be proud of this rag tag group of vets, motorcycle riders and Americans. So was I. I dismounted ready for the mission.

The fleas were pushed back onto a grassy piece of ice and snow and at first…..I never even saw them……didn’t even hear them…..just like they were not there. The main objectives were being accomplished. Lee (Rough Rider) greeted me and I proceeded to hand out the few American flags that I had brought. One of the roughest looking bikers that I had ever seen, you wouldn’t want to meet this guy on a well lit street let alone a dark one, grabbed a flag from my hand, put his arm around me and said “Welcome brother. Thanks for being here.” I knew that another mission objective was accomplished. I proceeded through the crowd and shook that hand of all our “brothers and sisters”. After making it to the flea circus, I noticed the line of police officers that prevents the fleas from being removed from the show. I saw several brothers that did all they could to contain themselves from doing the worse thing possible….but… they did the right thing. A member of the CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association) stood on a mini pulpit and read from the bible. He spoke the words that were true and right and just. All this time, I never heard one thing from the fleas. It was like they weren’t even there. He handed me a phony million dollar bill and I sure felt like a million bucks…..even with frozen toes.

I saw the VFW Color Guard proceed to the front of the building and conduct a “twenty one gun” salute to our fallen hero (SSgt Harper) and his family. I bet there were some fleas that didn’t see that coming because…they could not see it coming for the wall of American flags. Rough Rider (Lee) made a call to attention and taps were played. (Still no flea noise.) I guess it became to hard for the fleas to conduct their circus because several members of our military showed up and received a huge amount of applause and the shouting of “America” over the town. I had to get a picture with these men and several other PGR members joined us. The fleas had had too much. They just packed up and said they would be back. The local police had other ideas and escorted them from their respective districts. I guess the police were just happy not to have splattered fleas all over their town of American’s.

I couldn’t have made it through the services (emotionally) and although we were invited back to the family’s homes, I saddled up and proceeded to ride out of town. The temps never got over 32 degrees and I had to fight the same cold and snowy conditions home. Every stop I made, people asked me what I was doing on a day like today, riding a motorcycle. I told them of my mission and about my cause. It was a sacrifice of time and creature comforts. Not even the sacrifice that SSgt Harper and his family were paying. I left each stop with a renewed sense of worth and accomplishment. The snow started and the roads started to ice but my ride and I both were being guided. Guided by a better hand than mine. I arrived safely back to the loving arms of my wife and son.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED – Thank you SSgt Harper and thank you Harper family for your service. May God watch over you all and over my own serving son and daughter.

Chris Brocksmith
Patriot Guard Rider
W. Central Illinois"

The WBC fleas quickly left (there were only six or seven of them protesting as it turns out) when they were confronted with over 300 bikers. I have pictures of the bikers.



















Here are a few of the soldiers that were there for their friend's funeral. They and the family were very surprised and appreciative of all the support. It's amazing how people can come together for a good cause.

I also have been tagged by Char, Jodi, Charles and Promise to do the Ten Things That Make You Happy thing... so here I go. These are in random order:

1. My husband, who continues to surprise and delight me in many ways. The man never fails to impress me.
2. My son who has a boatload of hugs waiting for me each day.
3. My family who is by no means perfect, but I guess I wouldn't have them any other way. Especially my mother for being the best mother ever.
4. Beef jerky.
5. Playstation.
6. Mt. Dew
7. Friendships and knowing that no matter what, there are certain people there that will always be there for me and vice versa.
8. A hammock on a hot summer day and a fireplace on a winter evening.
9. Playing pranks on people.
10. Making people laugh.
11. The way that a baby can give you one look and you know for certainty that everything that is right with the world is right there in that cherub face.
12. Blacktie Cheesecake... and shrimp salad.

Well, I was only supposed to do ten, but I gave you twelve. I feel that I've gone above and beyond the call of duty for that one. I tag anyone that hasn't done this yet. You know who you are.

After reading through Chuck's blog, I've decided that since I never did the 100 things about me, I shall do that tomorrow. I've already got it composed in my head. And we all know how I do so love those lists!