As I said on Tuesday night, there are no words of gratitude to sum up the kindnesses showered upon our family during the past three months. For those of you who spoke, sang, recited, and joked: thank you for sharing your talents in honor of my father. Thank you for showing him in so many lights: as a colleague, mentor, partner, and friend. For all of you who simply walked through the door: that was an act of tribute in and of itself. Thank you for helping us celebrate the life of my father. You came across distances near and far, some with little or no notice, and you held out your hand. Thank you.
Sharon is an amazing woman and a dedicated wife and mother. For all of us who appreciated this unusual opportunity to say goodbye, she is the one who made it happen. Although most of you know that I lack red meat eating proclivities, I hear the brisket was as delicious as always. Her heart and soul know no limits.
I have such an intense vivid memory of standing on that grimy, poorly-lit New York landing and feeling my father's arms so tight around me as we hugged in the middle of the night and listened to that ethereal music. Tuesday night was an unbelievable experience; to be surrounded by so many people who care about me as the song was once again released into the sky.
5 comments:
Thank you and Sharon for inviting us all in to share.
Anyway I wanted to say that my wife as I was were both blown away by the Love and Talent that was in that backyard last night on Kilkea Drive. It was by far the most unbelievable experience I have had at a memorial service in my lifetime and unfortunately I have been to quite a few. It is pretty amazing how one man can bring together such an eclectic group of people. He had the uncanny ability to mix it up with anyone on any subject. I am so glad
I got to meet your wonderful Father and be a small part of his life. He plucked me out of his acting class to understudy his play Very Cherry and Extra Clean. He said to me " I don't usually do this, but kid your good" It was only the second play I had done in my life and that confidence he showed in me made a better actor from that day forward. He put me in there with some very talented pro's who also helped me feel like " Hey I can play this game.' I have shed many tears since your Father passed as I did last night, but from this day forward when I think of my beloved friend, I will smile and just think how lucky I was to call him My Friend.
Wainman
Sitting in our backyard tonight, listening to the fountain, watching the clouds, feeling the cool breeze, I felt the warmth of March l7 wash over me like a big hug..........many days & weeks later, I still find comfort in remembering all the love that filled our home and backyard that night as we remembered Greg together......thanks to anyone reading this who was there.....sss
I had a neighbor burn the music selections so that I could take Greg's memories with me in the car as I drive our old streets of Ankeny, Iowa. The morning that Jim called me to tell me of Greg's passing I was reffing an inner-city basketball league in Des Moines for 11 year olds. I took the message at halftime and as I did the huge flakes of snow outside the gym looked like Angel Feathers floating to the ground and I knew that Greg was saying farewell. I had my partner finish the game by himself while I stood outside for awhile...just breathing...because I could.
Thank you, Ron. As the music master, let me know if there are any glaring omissions I need to take care of (unfortunately, Van Morrison is not available, but I tried). I'm glad the music is keeping you company on your journey...
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