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Remembering …

July 21, 2009

“Dad” © R.L. Herron

Eulogy
For a life well lived. March 3, 1922 – July 7, 2009

(The photo above is one I took of Dad in the back yard of his home, several years ago. It’s one of my favorite shots of him).

I’m proud to say Vestel was my father. Many of you knew him simply as “Lee” – which is how he was known to all but close family for most of his adult life. He was not overly fond of his given name “Vestel”. With apologies to my late grandparents, I can’t say that I blame him.

I first want to thank all the kind people who have been providing so much help, especially to my Mother. A special thanks to Lisa for her beautiful and heartfelt singing of the 23rd Psalm, and to Nalin for his playing of the Prelude in C to Für Elise today. I know Pop enjoyed it.

I also want to thank everyone who came here to the funeral service. We often need help to say a last goodbye. It’s awfully hard to do alone, and your presence here is greatly appreciated.

I want to stress this is really NOT a sad, sorrowful occasion, even though it may feel that way right now. In the final years of his life, Dad suffered many different health-related problems, but he suffered in silence and seldom complained, because that was the kind of man he was. His suffering has finally ended and he is at peace.

We are here not to mourn his passing, but to celebrate his life. Read the entire eulogy

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Never Give Up

July 14, 2009

“On Paint Creek Trail” © R.L. Herron

My father died one week ago today. Someone – I don’t remember who – once told me of a quote they had read: “You’re not a man until your father dies.”

At my father’s funeral, I was thinking about that as I stood by his casket. I never felt so much like a child. Several times that first afternoon I cried profusely.

As we drove to the church for the service on Saturday morning, I wondered who would be there. Another “someone” once told me if five good friends came to your funeral, it could be said you had a good life.

As I looked around the church it seemed to me that Pop must have had a great life.

Several people spoke, including all three of my sons. Their comments were impromptu … and magnificent. Their grandfather would have been so proud of them.

I struggled to deliver his eulogy. Although several people said it was moving and nice, I still felt I had left something unsaid.

I was looking at this photograph I took last year on the nearby Paint Creek Trail. The foliage was beginning to wear its autumn best that day. Dad would have liked it. He enjoyed the fall. It reminded him that Mother Nature was not going to go away quietly into the winter.

He was fond of saying things like “you never, ever give up” for times things got a little rocky. It’s probably the attitude that helped him earn the Bronze Star for valor in WWII.

Then it occurred to me … what I had neglected to mention in his eulogy. I have no intention of giving up, Pop … ever.

Thanks for reminding me.

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Sad Days

July 8, 2009

The picture above is not one of mine. It was taken by my son, a professional photographer. He says he wishes he had done more with it, since it’s one of the last images he took of his grandfather.

My father passed away Tuesday afternoon. He was 87. He had been in poor health for many years, so it didn’t come as a great surprise … but it still hurts. He was a gentle man, who left behind a long legacy of love and support.

I know I’m going to miss him. We all will.