Memorial Service Comments 1/13/2008

Good Evening. On behalf of my entire family, I would like to express our sincere thanks to all of you for you love, prayers and support during this difficult time. We have been truly amazed by the kindness you have all shown to us. My Dad touched many lives, and it has been such a blessing to hear from so many people how much he was loved and appreciated. I look forward to hearing many such stories tonight, and for that I thank you in advance.

As I was thinking about what I would say tonight, I was at a bit of a loss. How do I put into words how I will remember my father? As I look at my life – there is not a part of it that does not reflect his influence.

My Dad was a man of few words, at least in his private life. A fact that was often a source of great frustration to me since I am a bit of talker! But he never shied away from sharing his desire for me to live a life that was pleasing to God. Over the last few weeks I have found letters, cards and emails to me from my Dad filled with words of encouragement to live just such a life. My prayer as I move forward into a life without him is that I will fulfill his desire for me.

I have so many wonderful memories of my Dad. Most of them involved laughter. We laughed a lot . I cherish that. Our house was always filled with laughter – dinner time typically involved sore sides and watery eyes from all the laughing we had done. Usually at each other. What a wonderful thing to be left with. So many of you have commented on his smile – and while it was sometimes absent when I had done something stupid as a child or an adult – I always knew it would resurface soon.

He was a wonderful example of unconditional love. He loved my Mom, Erica and I so very much – there was never a doubt of that. We were secure in the knowledge of that love.

Several years ago my family vacationed in Florida. One day Mom and Erica went shopping (something my Dad and I did NOT enjoy) and he and I spent the day alone together on Marco Island. I often have referred to this as our "perfect day". We walked the beach, talked and had lunch together – just enjoying each other's company. It was not an earth shaking day – I really can't remember what we talked about (probably politics at some point) but I remember feeling so blessed to have had a day with him. My Dad had an amazing gift (probably developed over the many years he was surrounded by women) of just letting me talk and talk and TALK – as he would just listen – inserting little comments or wisecracks here and there, but mostly just listening. I treasure this memory and so many that followed it – of just being with him. Talking with him. My Dad is my hero. He was so wise and kind and I will miss him very much.

There are many things I do not understand about this experience, but throughout it all one verse has continue to return to my mind.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I know for sure that this promise is true – God has a plan. And the reason I know this is because my Dad made SURE that a belief in God's word was the foundation of our lives. This is his legacy and I know that he would have it no other way. His heart's desire was to see all those he loved experience a true relationship with God. Everything he did in his life was driven by this desire.

On my 30th birthday I received a Bible as a gift from my Dad. As was his custom, on the title page he wrote a Scripture reference. As I recalled this particular reference it seemed to be so appropriate and so Dad. It is my prayer for us all as we travel this road of sorrow, mourning and healing. It is Numbers 6:24-26.

The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace