Hi friends,
I went down to the Capitol at 3AM to get in line to pay my respects to President Reagan. Waited in a very cordial line for about 3 1/2 hours (including the strangely-behaving-man-leaving-a-backpack (but it wasn't a bomb) scare...was right by where I was) and finally got up to the top of the hill and into the Rotunda of the Capitol. Totally silent, with the 4 honor guards at each corner of the almost larger than life flag draped casket. You could feel the joyful solemnity. I said silently, "Lord Jesus please say hello to President Reagan for me." To which the immediate cheerful reply (in my thoughts) was "Hi Ralph!" I thought back, "You know me?" and the thought said back, "I do now!" .... Just my mind playing tricks? Perhaps, or perhaps not.
I then slowly and reverently left, and when leaving they gave us all an engraved card marking the occasion, and outside the Capitol building we were invited to sign guest books (just like at a regular funeral).
All in all a terrific experience. I'm convinced, due to the righteousness of Christ, Mr. Reagan is with his Lord and Savior now... According to his adopted son evangelical Christian Michael Reagan, President Reagan had on numerous occasions, in his own private personal way, expressed his clear faith, not just vaguely in God, but specifically in Jesus Christ.
The long goodbye of altheimer's is over, and Ronald Reagan is having a great time thinking clear thoughts -- more lucid and memorable than ever, no doubt (he's probably making even our Lord smile from corny jokes :) ).
Anyway, I've got a groggy day ahead.
God bless you all, God bless the Reagans, and of course, God bless America!
Sincerely,
Ralph W. Davis
I got back this AM after waiting for 4.5 hours in line and it was worth every minute. The crowds were in good spirits as they made their way through the mazes of lines, but after we got through the metal detectors, the mood changed. When you exit the final security check, you walk out onto the main level of the Capitol's West Front and there was silence. A solemness took over as people made their way to the entrance into the Capitol. From there people ascended a staircase to the Rotunda. I passed through a doorway into the Rotunda filled with the faithful, the honor guard, the great artwork of the Rotunda, and the flag draped coffin. Several people cried and the whole minute inside the Rotunda was exceptional.