Posted by Kathleen Blanton on May 3, 2007:

These are the words I spoke at the Fort Sam Houston Cemetery service for my father, Colonel Patrick Neilond. Col. Patrick McAlester Neilond: grandfather, father, husband, West Point graduate, decorated veteran, commanding officer, diplomat, but most importantly, traveler. Amongst those of us gathered here today, my father was obviously the first to go on this particular journey. I had the privilege of accompanying him on part of it this summer. I learned so much, but the most important thing I learned is this: That in the final days, at the approach of life's end, one is reduced to, or perhaps I should more accurately say, elevated to, a pure essence of being. And for my Dad, that essence included a quest for independence, a sometimes exasperating streak of stubbornness, an unending supply of charm, and a true sweetness of spirit that was evidenced every time he smiled. I would like to share this passage from Alfred, Lord Tennyson's Ulysses. It signifies how my Dad chose to live. Come, my friends, Tis not too late to seek a newer world. Push off, and sitting well in order smite The sounding furrows; For my purpose holds To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths Of all the western stars, until I die. It may be that the gulfs will wash us down: It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles, And see the great Achilles, whom we knew. Though much is taken, much abides; and though We are not now that strength in which old days Moved earth and heaven; That which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. And to you, Dad, my traveling Irishman, here is my prayer: "May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face And the rain fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand. " --Kathleen Blanton, your loving daughter

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