In the past month I have attended funerals for two men who were the type of people phrases like "pillar of the community" and "salt of the earth" were created to describe. There are so many reasons I am thankful to have known men like these. They taught me much...
A moral compass and abiding faith are the best means for keeping a life on track.
People will remember if you have treated them kindly.
Your word is your bond.
Truly big people have no need to make others feel small.
Marriage is a lifetime commitment.
Parenthood is both a great responsibility and greater joy.
Neither fame nor wealth are the true measure of a man.
Understated wit is far more funny than the crude, in-your-face banter that often passes as humor.
Quiet souls run deep.
A noteworthy person feels no need to be noticed.
We can change the world quietly, starting in our own little sphere of influence by living a life others aspire to emulate.
Rest in peace, Vern and Tim. You have earned it.
Such wonderful lessons these two men taught you by the example of their lives, truly gifts to be thankful for, May! The lesson that really comes home here, along with the need for a moral compass (which often seems to be missing in folks nowadays) is that the truly important people aren't the flashy ones who seek to make big impressions, they are the ones living quieter, simpler lives with honesty, humor, compassion and wisdom. Kindness is the very best thing one could be remembered for, I think! Thank you for sharing this with us for Ten Things of Thankful! XOXO
ReplyDeleteWell said, Josie. You captured my thoughts perfectly.
DeleteI'm sorry to read that you've lost two friends, but am so inspired by the quotes you've listed here. I love them all.
ReplyDeleteVern was in his 80s, Tim his 90s. Their goodness really touched my heart.
DeleteMy condolences to the friends and family of these men. The world would be a wonderful place if we all could strive to live out these principles.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the truth? It is what I strive for.
DeleteIt's a strange and sad reality that we must attend more and more funerals as we grow older. Love all these lessons.
ReplyDeleteKindness and remaining true to one's word are the most important things I believe. I hope more of us will make impacts on the world with less noise and the need for an audience and quite so much attention. All worthy things to strive for in life.
And things which seem increasingly rare, Kerry, but I share your hope that more of us strive for these qualities.
Deletebut, in expert hands, a cream pie can still evoke mirth... yes?
ReplyDeletelol (yeah, there's always one in every crowd)
As harsh and wearing a reminder of the power of the here and now that funerals can be, it is clearly inevitable that the frequency of these events increases rather than decreases... almost as if something is saying, "hurry, learn the central lesson of life, you will only get so many reminders"
And my tendency to befriend all ages has caused me to attend more than a typical number of funerals, I think. But it has also given me windows into great wisdom too. I sure hope I have learned something about the central lesson of life along the way!
DeleteI'm sorry for your losses. Funerals have a way of putting life in perspective.
ReplyDeleteAnd these were two of the sweetest most apt memorials I have attended!
DeleteThese sounded like two very special men for the lessons they have given you. I love your final point "We can change the world quietly, starting in our own little sphere of influence by living a life others aspire to emulate". Our actions don't necessarily have to be "big" but actions are important and other people will take notice.
ReplyDeleteOh, boy! You are so right that actions ARE important, and others DO notice (a point too often overlooked in today's culture).
DeleteThis post is a wonderful tribute to the legacy your friends have left with you. In death, there is a celebration of life.
ReplyDeleteAnd may we all live a life worth celebrating!
DeleteThis is lovely, although I'm so sorry for the loss of your friends.
ReplyDeleteBoth were blessed to live full and happy lives to a ripe old age. I don't think would have felt cheated.
DeleteYou have expressed such beautiful thoughts and words of wisdom for all to heed. I'm glad you had the joy of knowing these men and were able to understand those things you learned from them.
ReplyDeleteThey both were pretty wonderful guys.
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