Flagpole Kills

A damn 45 ft., standard, metal flagpole broke 10 ft. from the ground in a tiny school courtyard right outside my son’s classroom, due to high winds. The 35 ft broken section fell and landed on 5 year old, precious, little Angel, who raised her arm over her face to block the blow. (I know these details from one of Angel’s classmates… he unfortunately witnessed her get pummeled to her death on that unexplainable day, Monday, April 16th of 2007)

Visitation for Angel Pocock-Smith started today (Sunday, April 22, 2007).

Randy and I were among the first to arrive. The funeral home was beautifully decorated with large posters that displayed numerous pictures of Angel Pocock-Smith’s amazing little face and “alive” personality. Poems about her and “from her” were also displayed. A slide show looped, displaying precious photos of Angel and her 2 siblings. She had two siblings: one brother in the 6th grade, who adored her, and one tiny lil, cute, pumpkin of a brother just 5 months old, whom she adored.

The mood about the place was surprisingly positive. Beautiful music was played in the background… recognizable, popular stuff… it was actually kind of kewl to “rock” along to the beat’. It was obvious that every song was carefully chosen… and chosen very well if I might add. There was also a professional harpist with a huge, amazing, golden-colored harp. The smell of fresh flowers filled the air. Angel’s family and friends wore t-shirts with her picture and name printed on front. There was a lot of thought put into making it a place to celebrate her time on earth. It was very nicely done.

Randy and I moved slowly through the funeral home. We took in all the pictures, poems, slide shows and music. Finally we made it to the casket. It was open for all to see her tiny little self adorned in a beautiful white, lace dress with matching tiny, white flowers in her hair. There was a hand-written letter which someone had tucked under her small hands. There were also some flowers in her casket. And there was one other thing in her casket… a little wooden angel with the words, “Angels Are Heaven Sent”… that was the item that broke open my tears.

I spoke to Angel’s mom and she was calm and strong. As she hugged me, she whispered, “It’s ok, she’s in a better place.”

All the family members were very positive. They were sad, but amazingly strong and presented themselves very well. Randy and I were both very impressed by their strength. I would guess their strength was partially obtained by the overwhelming support given by a shocked community that reached out to them the first week this absolutely bizarre tragedy occurred.

So… I pray and hope they will all come through this… it will be tough, but god help them survive it gracefully!