Last week we were asked to observe obituaries in a local paper newspaper. This week, I find myself composing one.

We were invited to ask three questions after each of the deceased:

• 1. What would that person give to change places with me and have one more day?
• 2. Who can I let know how grateful I am for their presence today if it is my last?
• 3. How will I behave today to finish the masterpiece of my life elegantly?

I have written obituaries and eulogies in the past. It is both a deaply painful and deeply expansive experience.

To remember the lives of the deceased, the impacts they had on your life, the nuances that made them peculiar, the moments that helped define them, the actions that revealed their character, the habits that made them extraordinary in their own unique way, the lives they touched, the legacies they leave behind, the ripple effect of their lives that spiraled outward beyond even the most forensic of investigations.

Last week I said goodbye to my father-in-law, who was also one of my most cherished and steadfast friends. I had the blessing to tell him how grateful I was for his presence in my life. I was able to assure him that he left his loved ones in my care and protection.

I was able to share some of the moments that brought us close. That is a gift. I have been blessed twice before, to have that same opportunity with my mother and father.

For the rest of the week I held up the fort, cared for my children and supported my wife as she went through this process with her father. He passed with her holding his hand and singing to him this past Sunday morning.

I have not done my homework as required. But, I believe the lessons we are meant to learn have been deeply felt.

Would my Father in law change places with me for one more day. Not because he wouldn’t give anything that was his to give to live, but because he wouldn’t take it away from anyone else.
Who can I let know how grateful I am for their presence today if it was my last? I have a long list, but it begins with my wife and children.

How will I behave today to finish the masterpiece of my life elegantly? I will answer the call. I will do the things others simply are not willing to do. I will give myself permission to be happy. I think of what the man I intend to become would do next, and do it with passion.

I have yet to compose the obituary, but I know this much: He had passion!