Flags, Eagles, and Psalm 23

I finalized the agreement for Patrick's memorial stone today. This is one of the harder things I have had to do. I considered many designs and options. What seemed most important was this must reflect something about Patrick. I knew his father and older brother wanted a Flag and an Eagle. I didn't want it to be like everyone elses.
So began the search for just the right Eagle and Flag. I found it. No one else has had it etched that I am aware of. A very special artist granted permission to use his artwork for Patrick's granite etching.
The Eagle and the Flag are important for obvious reasons. Some know that when Patrick entered Woodlawn the Patriot Guard Riders Flags stilled. After Patrick past, they again blew in the breeze. There were those who have told and written about two Eagles seen flying overhead during the service, one breaking away. A lone Eagle sat in a tree along the roadway as we left. (" On Eagles Wings" was also sung for Patrick's service.)
I was not yet satisfied. I needed a Christian reference for this son of mine who insisted he found God outside and battled having to sit in a pew. As I pondered I thought how many times I had prayed Psalm 23 , many times for Patrick during his deployments. This also had been my paternal Grandmother's favorite Psalm. The ribbon mark is there in her large print Bible, that I now have.
In retrospect it seems written for Patrick's Afghanistan experience. We have photos of green pastures, beautiful mountains, a river he fished there (the look on his face fishing is one of pure joy, just like when he was a little boy ).
It is our understanding this battle took place in a valley, early evening, obviously in the presence of enemies: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, thoug anointest my head with oil;my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
The title "Psalm 23" will be simply etched flowing below the Flag.The entire Psalm feels fitting. The lines I have bolded are what jump out at me. I so pray the Lord was there for Patrick during those last moments as he faced the enemy steadfastly defending his fellow soldiers, not giving one inch. I pray our Lord, prepared that table, gave Patrick mercy and now my son dwells in the house of the Lord, forever.
There is additinal wording on the base, front and back. I leave that for those concerned to come and view when they spend time with Patrick.
Sometime this spring Patrick's granite memorial marker should be finished and placed. I hope it will turn out to be a fitting tribute for my son.
A mother blankets her babies, dresses her children to keep them warm. . Instead of blankets, there is a grave. Instead of warm clothing there will be a memorial stone, and tears. Many, many tears.