Just feeling the need to preserve the words I tearfully spoke at my father's memorial service Tuesday June 7, 2011. I had it all together while my brother was speaking. I read these words a dozen times. I was comfortable seeing them, hearing myself say them. I was pleased with the final product. I believe I made it past thanking the more than 400 people who attended before I started the blubbering.
How can you encapsulate your father's impact on your life into a brief statement? I can only think to use words like "profound" or "immense".To me my father was a towering figure of knowledge, strength, wisdom and energy.
When I needed insight into what my next steps should be, his knowledge pointed me in the right direction. When I needed encouragement working towards a goal, I drew from the strength I had witnessed in him. When I needed his experience his wisdom was there to guide me. If I grew weary his unfading energy inspired me.
While my father's Earthly body has been taken from us by the ravages of cancer, that disease could never diminish the lasting impression his spirit has left on each of us.
I have said to friends and family that I can't help but have a silly grin on my face. My father is healed, walking pathways more beautiful than we can comprehend and hearing the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant." You can't ask for anything better than that.
