The Memorial Service (Continued)

It took awhile, but I'm back. Hopefully you read my story about attending the memorial service of the husband of a lady I worked with years ago in the Head Start program. Her name is Fay; her husband's name is Bob.



Bob's memorial service was not that different from other memorial services I have attended. However the people who spoke about him spoke things I needed to hear. First there were Bob's nephews and a niece. They shared about Bob's care and concern for the extended family. The memories shared were touching. Then Bob's two sons and one daughter took the platform. The lessons learned from their dad were many and good. They all agreed the best decision their dad ever made was to marry Fay. That brought nods and chuckles from all in attendance. Then several sets of grandchildren (some of the guys sporting "University of Tennessee orange" yarmulkes--Bob was a big UT fan!) spoke about their granddad. I remember two things from their sharing that I don't want to forget:



1. Know the difference between wants and needs.

2. Call your family and tell them you love them.



About Wants and Needs

Bob had taught his grandchildren that it was fine to want things and even to acquire things. But he also taught them when what you want gets in the way of what you need, refrain. So if working longer hours to have an expensive car takes away from your family, don't do it! You need your family; you don't need an expensive car.


About Telling Your Family You Love Them

Bob called his grandchildren every Friday evening to check in on them and tell them he loved them. I don't really know why he called on Friday, but I wonder if it had anything to do with the beginning of the Sabbath? If so, what a wonderful tradition! If not, what a wonderful tradition!