Dad's memorial

[Prince Vegita]

Ro mentioned a couple of weeks ago that she was at my dad's memorial service. Since you guys were generous enough to offer your support, I figure I owe it to everybody to link to his memorial if anybody wants to read it.

Neurotopia (version 2.0) : Skies of blue, clouds of white.... and I think to myself.... (http://scienceblogs.com/neurotopia/2007/07/memorial.php)

Thanks guys. And thanks Tara, for always being there.

[Uthgar the Brazen]

I can't wax eloquent to describe my response and the depth of my gratitude for being allowed to share in that, so I'll simply say 'Thank you,' and mean it from the bottom of my feet on up.

[livius drusus]

That was just so moving, Prince. Easily the best eulogy I've seen. Your dad was an amazing man. :badday:

[wei yau]

Thank you for sharing that with us. It's good to see that your father's wisdom did not go unheard or unrecognized. It's good to see that he was able to lead you by example.

[viscousmemories]

Thanks for posting that, Prince Vegita. My sincere condolences, and apologies if my reply on Ro's thread was inappropriately flippant.

[One for Sorrow]

That was beautiful. I am sorry for your loss; he was an amazing man. Thank you, though, for introducing us to him.

[chick]

That was very touching. Sorry for your loss.

[Plant Woman]

Thank you for sharing that, and my condolences.

[Prince Vegita]

Thanks for posting that, Prince Vegita. My sincere condolences, and apologies if my reply on Ro's thread was inappropriately flippant.

It's ok Tom. We all know you're a douchebag. :D

[viscousmemories]

Phew! I was afraid y'all might have the wrong impression. :giggle:

[mindbender]

First of all, my condolences. I lost a parent myself a just a few months ago so I know, in a way, what you're going through. Thank you for sharing the beautiful eulogy.

My brother also gave an excellent one for my mom back on May 1st. If you wish to read it, see below.

Good morning. On behalf of our family I would like to thank you for joining us today to remember Judy, my mother. Today is not a day of mourning but rather a day to pay tribute to her accomplishments and life. This is a day to remember the good times that we had with her.

Many of us knew her in different ways: As a daughter, a wife, a mother, sister, aunt, cousin, co-worker, business associate, friend or a fellow member of Diet-Pepsi Drinkers Anonymous. I couldn't begin to summarize my mother's life in the time we have today. However, I would like to share a few highlights and touch upon some of her qualities.

Since I did not know my mother for the first 27 years of her life, my sister Kristi and I asked friends and family to share some experiences and thoughts.

When my Mom was just a little girl my grandparents gave her a bicycle. Unfortunately, the bicycle did not have a chain. But that didn't keep her from riding the bike. She would take the bike to a nearby hill and ride downhill into a briar patch to stop. On her birthday, my grandfather purchased a chain for the bike, installed it, and prepared to teach her how to ride. Imagine his surprise when she took off peddling down the street.

I thought about this story for a while and I realized that even from a young age she was able to put her mind to something and do it even when conditions may not have been ideal. As many of you know, she had problems with her legs for many years. But that didn't stop her. She would often put herself through pain just to perform daily tasks. But it went beyond that. I can't count the number of times that she put herself through pain to help others.

Over the years I have had many memories with my Mother. Of course these include the usual suspects: Birthdays, Holidays, family trips, and even the day to day things like family dinners, watching movies together, or playing games like Sequence, Skip-Bo or Trivial Pursuit. But one thing stands out in many of these memories. She always wanted to make things perfect for her children.

I can remember, as a child, Christmas mornings when Kristi and I would be opening presents. Granted, most things that we received both of my parents knew about. But usually there would be a few items in the mix that our Dad, Joe, didn't know about. I know this because as I became a little older I was able to pick these items out by watching my Dad's face as gifts were opened. Let's just say that sometimes he appeared more surprised than we were.

While I know that she had a special place for Kristi and I, her caring and generosity toward others did not end there. When she learned of a family that was having difficult financial times around Christmas, she went to the store with one of her closest friends. At the store she purchased gifts for children that she didn't know so that they would have a joyful Christmas. She also contributed to programs such as Toys for Tots, the Lehman Center of York, and was a regular driver for Meals on Wheels.

She was a giver, not just of material things but of her heart as well. It was hard not to feel loved and supported in her presence. Whenever a family member or a friend would have a problem, she was always there to listen and to help. Close friends and family would know that she ended every phone call with the words "I love you."

This July would mark 35 years that my parents have been married. Until recently I hadn't given that much thought. But during a visit to the hospital my Dad, Joe, shared something with us that he never shared with my Mom. As some of you may know, my parents met in a church choir known as the St. Rose Singers. What you may not know is that my Mom, who loved to sing, had been part of the group prior to my Dad joining. When my Dad saw her walking down the aisle with the choir he decided to join just to meet her. Since my parents have been together, they have loved, honored and cared for each other no matter what the circumstance. I thank them both for setting such a good example.

When I remember my mother I think of a woman, that regardless of the situation, loved life. A friend of hers described this as "charging ahead in life at full speed." I am pretty sure she meant this both figuratively and literally. If you were ever somewhere with my Mom it was sometimes hard to keep up with her in her motorized wheel chair.

My Mother had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh and make others laugh. I am sure that she contributed to my tendency to be a practical joker. I remember the time she placed a lump of dough on our neighbors back porch that ended up freezing to the concrete. On another occasion, she made a birthday cake for a co-worker out of a sponge. Everyone that knew her, knows that she always had a smile for everyone.

The last year of my mother's life was very difficult for her. She faced one challenge after another. It seemed like every couple months something else would go wrong. Yet she was able persevere. I have to admit that when heard Mom had gone into cardiac arrest and that her heart going again I didn't know what to think. She had been through so many things and survived that part of me was already looking past this and thinking "what is going to happen to her next?" I certainly did not think that I would be standing here in front of all of you today.

I like to envision my mother walking her dog, Mindy, in heaven. I know that Mindy is there with her because I watched the movie "All Dogs go to Heaven" with my Mother so it has to be true. I know, in my heart, that my Mother is in a better place now. Pain free, laughing, and enjoying the afterlife with friends and family that have gone before her.

As I began this I mentioned that today is not a day of mourning, but a day of remembrance. I know it is hard to think of it this way but its truly a celebration of her life, and a celebration of her going home to God.
Mom, from all of us: We love you.
(end).

[Plant Woman]

Thanks Mindbender that was beautiful.