My Fathers Eulogy

I promise for all of you that were at my sisters wedding... this speech will be better.. 

My father had to much of an impact on my life not to speak of him at this point- the problem I ran into was - how can this be done in a way that does him justice?!  So much I could say, so many thoughts to organize... Then it came to me- one of the saddest things about his death.. is that my young children will never get to know the man, the father that has positively impacted so many and that has made me who I am today. So i have decided to eulogize my father, in the form of a letter to my children. They need to know about this amazing man that they will be missing  out on.

Dear-

Brynn & Cash,

You're to young to really understand this, however, someday you will. Poppy went to heaven today- to soon. You see, you guys never really got to know poppy, only for a short while.. mommy doesn't think thats fair, So I want to tell you about him with  hopes his spirit will live on in you both.

He was a a teacher, by profession and in life. 

Poppy was patient. He taught mommy how to fish  along with the rest of the cousins and friends that spent weeks up at our cottage.  He would take us in a small boat and patiently help us fish rigging lines and Untangeling messes all so we could catch 100 little perch and sunfish. He didn't care as long as we were smiling.

Poppy was kind. He  never missed a soccer game of mine. He was always on the sideline cheering louder than any other person- and it was nothing but encouraging words. You see..  poppy loved to make others feel good - he was always trying to do silly things to make people laugh. He contributed to others happiness- Poppy knew the true meaning of life. 

Poppy was selfless and he new how to love. When I was a little girl he tucked me into bed and kissed me every night. As I got older he never hung up the phone without telling me "I love you". His love for mommy and aunt Heather was unconditional and real but it was his love for Nonny that set him apart. He didn't care care where he was or what he was doing As long as he was with nonny and making her happy. - that genuinely made him happy.

Poppy didn't care whether someone was white black purple green, rich poor kind or Mean. He found and believed in the good of all people. He could talk and make friends with anyone and often leaving that "anyone" walking away with a smile. 

Poppy was gentle. He loved animals and the outdoors. His kind heart wouldn't even allow us to kill a spider. Where it would take seconds to kill the spiders he would often take the time to catch it and release it outside. He literally couldn't  and wouldn't even hurt a fly.

I could go on forever about poppy, but we dont have forever. What I want you to know is he loved you both. He wanted to teach you everything he taught mommy. Although he isn't physically here he will always be with you watching over you.

Sooo..  When you catch that big fish, know- he had a part, when you hit that homerun,- know he is your loudest, proudest biggest fan. When mommy and daddy tuck you into bed and kiss and hug you, know he is whispering - "I love you". When your out catching frogs, crayfish and bugs, know he is there - playing with you.

My little ones ..if there is one important lesson to take from Poppys time here, it is to - simply be kind..to everyone and anyone. 

For ..

"If you contribute to other people's happiness, you will find the true meaning, the true goal in life."- Dalai Lama

Poppy achieved that goal. And he achieved it With his whole heart.