The Funeral

Friday, March 12, 2010

Again, I can't remember anything before or after the funeral.  I only remember the funeral and the gravesite service.  I know I'm terrified to speak in public, but I knew it was my job to give the eulogy.  I had told the pastor prior to this, that I would be the one to give it.  No one else.  No one could do this (in my mind), but me.  My dad and I had such a special bond.  I didn't feel right about anyone else getting up there to speak.  I was with my dad or talked to him everyday for the last 4 years.  We worked together and he came over to help me with the kids during the day.  I talked Rudy into going first.  Love that husband of mine.  I figured if he could start, I could get the courage to finish.  So, I though I'd give the cliff notes version of our eulogy.  This way it stays in print forever.

Rudy started off by "thanking everyone for the support we received this week.  It was much appreciated and will never be forgotten.  Ron would be amazed at the overwhelming support."  Then he shared a few things about my dad that were special to him.  His deep voice.  Rudy was forever in awe of his voice.  I think a little scared while dating me of what would come out of that voice.  But then my sweet husband started in on "two things that will leave the greatest impact on my life about Ron. 
1.  He was an amazing family man.  He adored my mother in law and still looked like a teenager in love if you spent anytime around them.  He would light up and was so proud of his children.  You could get him talking for hours about them and more recently his grandchildren.
2.  His integrity.  No matter what the situation or the circumstance, he was a man of his word."

So sweet of Rudy to stand up there beside me and break the ice so I could get the jitters out while listening to him.  By the time it was my turn, I felt ok.  A sense of peace had come over me long enough for me to do this.