My mom showed me a letter to her from a friend of my dad’s, expressing appreciation for how much my dad had influenced his life. It was an odd feeling, seeing how a guy my age had been sort of adopted and taken under his wing by my dad.
She said that at one point when she and Dad talked about their funerals many months ago, he made some remark about how I’d be a good choice to give his eulogy, then said something about how, no, it would be better for this friend of his to give it. I’m not bothered by this, as I reflect on it. This guy got some of my dad’s best side without the criticism, judgementalism, and harshness that he dished out to family members. I’m glad for them both.
I’d like to talk to this friend of his, just to hear more, not to change his impression of Dad. And maybe if we have a little ceremony after Mass next week, I could do a eulogy. I could put his problems into perspective with some stuff about his childhood, plus mention the good things that I do remember. I’d like that.