Tough Time for a True Friend
Just got back from calling hours for a good friend's Dad.
Charles, the Dad, died at age 76. He had a storied career as an educator, and champion of youth. His sons, honoring that tradition, served as a policeman and fireman. There were, from what I hear from reliable sources, about a thousand people that paid their respects.
Police, Fire, Teachers, Students, Politicians, and others in the know. They came to say thank you, in a way that they may never have said it before. A student, from some twenty-five years ago, and with no apparent connection to the present-day, came to say good-bye.
What is the measure of a man? A thousand plus friends and strangers that come to say, "Thanks." Not with an exclamation point, but a period. It was a muted respect for a man that took the time, to take an interest.
Teacher. Educator. Parent.
In my mind, they are one. In the larger world, who could be blessed by anything greater?
My friend, Steve, grieves. For what it's worth... ten years after my Dad's death, there's not a day I don't miss him, cherish him, and wish he was here. It's just so hard, and I wish I had the strength of My Father. I wish the same for Steve.
Steve, you're loved. I grieve with you. And if you'll forgive me, I know you got this sense from your Dad.
"My friends, I'll say it clear, I'll state my case of which I'm certain.
I've lived a life that's full, I've travelled each and evr'y highway.
And more, much more than this, I did it my way."
The measure of Charles.
Godspeed, Sir. We'll see ya soon enough, and thanks for the lesson.
Charles, the Dad, died at age 76. He had a storied career as an educator, and champion of youth. His sons, honoring that tradition, served as a policeman and fireman. There were, from what I hear from reliable sources, about a thousand people that paid their respects.
Police, Fire, Teachers, Students, Politicians, and others in the know. They came to say thank you, in a way that they may never have said it before. A student, from some twenty-five years ago, and with no apparent connection to the present-day, came to say good-bye.
What is the measure of a man? A thousand plus friends and strangers that come to say, "Thanks." Not with an exclamation point, but a period. It was a muted respect for a man that took the time, to take an interest.
Teacher. Educator. Parent.
In my mind, they are one. In the larger world, who could be blessed by anything greater?
My friend, Steve, grieves. For what it's worth... ten years after my Dad's death, there's not a day I don't miss him, cherish him, and wish he was here. It's just so hard, and I wish I had the strength of My Father. I wish the same for Steve.
Steve, you're loved. I grieve with you. And if you'll forgive me, I know you got this sense from your Dad.
"My friends, I'll say it clear, I'll state my case of which I'm certain.
I've lived a life that's full, I've travelled each and evr'y highway.
And more, much more than this, I did it my way."
The measure of Charles.
Godspeed, Sir. We'll see ya soon enough, and thanks for the lesson.
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