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Home, at last

Spectacular sunset: The sun sets on the horizon, as seen from the Otis Orchards post office last Saturday. (J. Bart Rayniak)
Spectacular sunset: The sun sets on the horizon, as seen from the Otis Orchards post office last Saturday. (J. Bart Rayniak)

Clara Gantt waited 63 years for her beloved’s return. His body arrived at LAX on Friday and 95-year-old Clara was there to accept his remains.

Clara’s husband, Sgt. First Class Joseph Gannt, had been presumed dead after being captured as a prisoner of war in Korea. He died as a prisoner in 1951. His remains, identified at the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and forensics labs in Honolulu, arrived home on Friday to California.

Clara never remarried. She wanted only Joseph as her husband – no one else. As tears streamed down her cheeks, she gently touched the flag-draped casket. 

Time cannot limit or erase grief that longs for resolution.

"I'm so happy - it's a closure. He's coming home," said Clara.

(S-R archive photo)

Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.