LOVE………..!!
We have been reading Scroll II for the past several weeks concerning how ‘LOVE’ needs to be one of our main focuses.
Recently I attended a funeral of a friend in another town. I hadn’t been close to him for quite a while, but I felt compelled to go in honor of him. He had taken over my teaching job 35 years ago when I left to go back and get my PhD.
The funeral was held in the same church I attended while I lived in New Ulm, Minnesota. It seemed like a good sized crowd with about 150 people in attendance.
One thing that was unique about him is that he and his wife, who had passed two years before, had two natural girls and two adopted children. One boy from Cambodia and one girl from Africa.
It was a typical Lutheran funeral service but what was unique was that three of the children spoke about what they remembered most about him.
The first daughter talked about his accomplishments and what impact he had on their lives and how he ‘LOVED’ them and along with his wife of 50+ years. His adopted son broke down half-way through his speech and the daughter from Africa came forward, walked up to the front, hugged him, stood beside him to comfort him until he finished.
He was able to compose himself and then the daughter from Africa spoke from her heart. She spoke about all the things they had done as a family and there was always ‘LOVE’ in the house.
She said that one of the traditions that the parents did was that whenever a sibling reached a certain age they would take them on a trip to where ever in the world they wished to go. They also did this for each of the grandchildren when they attained that age.
One of the granddaughters got up and spoke about how he always attended their activities, every track meet, every play, concert. He was always there and she felt their ‘LOVE’.
They each talked about how they would miss him & his wife now, especially with all of the holiday’s coming up. But they all emphasized how they felt ‘LOVED’ and protected in this mixed cultured family.
A grandson proceeded to go to the front and sang ‘Amazing Grace’. It was the most beautiful I have ever heard it. It filled the cavities of the sanctuary.
I’ve never seen such a deep, genuine display of respect and love for a departed individual.
Made me wonder what people will say when I pass. People won’t remember your achievements, that will wither in the dust of time, but how they were treated and ‘LOVED’ by you.
You have to ask yourself: What is your “LOVE life” like?
Doc, this is such a heartfelt and reflective piece that truly highlights the power and legacy of love. Sharing your family’s memories and the deep connection they felt is incredibly moving… it reminds me that the greatest impact we can leave on others is through how we love and care for them. Your ending is thought-provoking and beautifully ties the lesson of Scroll II to real life. Thank you for sharing this powerful reminder to examine our own “LOVE life” and the legacy we’re creating!
Wonderful post Larry. Very moving. It really makes you think about your life and how do I make it the best I can !
I have been touched and moved by your blog. It is an invitation to the application of the concept of “love” and its place in people´s lives. Ringing in my ear is: “People won’t remember your achievements, that will wither in the dust of time, but how they were treated and ‘LOVED’ by you.” Beautiful!
What a beautiful post, Larry! That is a special family. And a good reminder to up the ‘love’ factor in our own lives.