…And You Will Smile Again
Author: Scott Pleasants, Air Force Veteran and Surviving Father of Navy PO2 Michael K. Pleasants
On Nov. 17, 2024, I was part of a group of TAPS surviving families who attended the teams4taps New York Jets Salute to Service game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The day was filled with anticipation. Our group was eager to see this special game and participate in the on-field NFL high-five tunnel experience. As we waited for the event to begin, I observed the TAPS Family members interacting. I couldn’t help but wonder about the circumstances that brought us all together — an opportunity to honor a family member, the loss of a loved one merged with military service, and embraced by a supportive community of peers and survivors.
We began to take photos, capturing many moments throughout the afternoon. We took photos of our arrival at the stadium; the fan tailgate activity; the TAPS families getting to know each other; our group in the tunnel adjacent to the field; and we took photos of our group on the field participating in the high-five experience. I even captured a brief video of two F-18 fighter jets honoring our military service members with a stadium flyover. It appeared as though we had photographed varying aspects of this amazing event.
However, within the many pictures, there was one in particular that stood out from the others. It was a photo that I had not taken, but one that another TAPS survivor had taken for me.
The picture captured me standing on the field prior to the players entering. In the background, there are military service members in uniform and an overflow of fans in the stands. When I looked closely at this photo, I noticed something that I hadn’t seen in quite some time. It was the image of a father who was immersed in a moment of happiness, unknowingly with a smile on his face.
I lost my son, Michael, in May of 2021, and like many, I cried in disbelief and walked through many days of uncertainty. During those times, I could never have imagined myself in a moment of happiness and smiling again. However, this photo shows that there is hope to be found.
On this November afternoon, our group was surrounded by support directly and indirectly. TAPS is a phenomenal organization that creates memorable opportunities. With teams4taps and the steadfast support of the TAPS Men’s Program, we can see how special moments are captured within one small photo. An inconspicuous expression of hope, a smile, may resonate as a positive shift within our journey of grief.
Happiness and support can represent purpose and progress, prompting the images in our photographs to be true to life…and you will smile again.
Photos: Scott Pleasants; TAPS Archives