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

In Loving Memory 12/21/2007

Over the last couple of days I have been attempting to find words to express what my Dad meant to me. This experience was unexpected to say the least, and I am at a loss to make sense of the hows and whys of it all.
The last time I saw my Dad was Monday of this week. I had gotten into a minor car accident and was needing to take my car in for an estimate. As I always have done, I called my Dad for help. My Dad truly spoiled his girls - no matter what scrape we might find ourselves in he was typically our first call. As was typical, he stopped what he was doing and went with me to the shop. After our errand we went to Starbucks for a coffee - this had become a ritual for us. We spent many afternoons with a cup of strong coffee and great conversation. This trip was nothing "special" but I am so thankful I had the opportunity to have one last time with him. We talked about random things - unimportant things - things I really don't recall, but I can remember where we sat, who we saw, and other little details. I will treasure that snapshot memory forever. We left and went our seperate ways - neither of us knowing that it would be the last time we would see eachother on this earth. What would we have said if we had any clue? I am almost sure I told him I loved him before I left (it is a habit in our family to always say that before saying goodbye at any time) but I cannot remember for sure - and that doubt brings tears.
My Dad was a man of few words - but the words he chose to speak and the manner in which he chose to share them have changed not only my life but countless of others. He was ever wise and consistent. He was kind. He was loving. He had a fun and sometimes wicked sense of humor and was sarcastic in a way I found hilarious. He was quick to smile and laugh and was eager to have others join him in these activities. As I have gotten older, he had become my friend and counselor. He was the smartest man I ever met and he was eager to continue to increase in knowledge. He firmly believed that study and learning of all things but especially the things of God were key in life. He vigorously pursued excellence and encouraged that pursuit in his children, but ultimately he desired that we would know and serve God. He loved my Mom in a way that I pray to be loved some day.
There are no words to pay tribute to my father - he was the greatest of men. I love him and miss him. Selfishly, I wish he were still with us, but I know he is with his Savoir - his race has ended. He has received the prize. I can now look forward to meeting him again in that place where there are no more tears - and this hope; this certainty; this peace will carry me through these difficult days.
I love you Dad.
April