Saturday, August 17, 2013

"He felt joy 150%"

Faith. Our friend. Henry's school nurse. A wise and gentle woman who understood Henry - and loved him.

She spoke at Henry's Memorial Service. So did Casey and Jess. Henry's grandma Jan wrote something and had it read. Zane lit a candle, Anastasia played a song on the piano, mom read "Oh, the Places You'll Go." and dad gave a Eulogy that was honest, vulgar, tender and full of love - for Henry and his father. He has now eulogized his own father and son.

Rebecca, our lovely and supportive and observant officiant - delivered the service to us with grace and gentleness. She knew Henry, she loved Henry. The podium, in front of sad, grieving and expectant loved ones - could not have been an easy place to be. Her husband and family managed the kitchen and food for us. We could not have done without them.

Brendan - our hospice volunteer and now friend - managed the technical stuff for us. We'll have the evidence of that later in the week!

"It was really nice to see all of those people show up for Henry." Zane said upon reflection this morning.
A lot of people came. People who knew us, knew Henry, but we hadn't met yet. People who knew us, but hadn't met Henry - yet were touched by our love for him. People we hadn't seen in decades. People we had never met, but now are securely wrapped in the love that we shared for Henry.

Relationships were healed. Love and honesty shone along with the sun as it spilled through the colored glass of the sanctuary.

Many of us whispered a "Thank you Henry." as we walked away from the evening. Filled with love, hope and promise.

We miss Henry. Profoundly. Henry changed us. Henry made us vulnerable to other people's grief. Henry motivated us to change the world. Henry motivated us to be the best people that we could be.

Because he was. He was the best person he could be. Honestly. Painfully. Joyfully. "150%"

Thank you Henry.




3 comments:

  1. Love, Love, and more Love. I so wish I could have been there for Henry and the family.

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  2. Henry, though I didn't know him, was clearly one of those very rare people who bring more love into this ugly world than they take out of it.

    I really wish I could have met him, though through your brave and generous sharing of his life I feel I have.

    Thanks

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  3. So so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    PD

    ReplyDelete