He grew up in a small town in a family of ordinary means. He and his two brothers fished, played ball, and honored their parents. After school, he joined the Marines and served for four years. He returned to his small town, and made his living as a carpenter, known for his skill in cabinetry. He married and he and his wife settled at the edge of a small town where they raised two sons, of whom, he was extremely proud. He was a kind man with many friends in his small town, always willing to lend a helping hand. He led his life in an ordinary way, and when the years settled upon him, he became a beloved grandfather, taking great joy in time spent with his grandchildren.
When his time came, he fought cancer to the end, and lost his battle at home with those he loved around him. At his funeral service, a stream of family and acquaintances paid respect, most having a story of some kindness he had extended them. He’ll lie at rest in the cemetery on the hill overlooking a bend of little Rook’s Creek, where the cold November wind scatters the golden leaves of the aspen planted on my brother’s grave long ago. far from a city of any size, far from busy highways and high rises.
An ordinary man. Well loved. A life well lived.
How wonderful to have met such a person.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday
Much💛love
This is a great tribute, Beverly. One that shows that there is nothing ordinary about an ordinary heart living his life well. May he rest in peace and always watches over those who loved him.
ReplyDeleteIn his ordinariness he sounds extraordinary. What a guy!
ReplyDeleteThis beautifully written tribute brought tears to my eyes. I am moved, but more to gladness than sorrow – gladness for a life so very well lived, gladness to know that such beautiful ordinariness is still possible. (I was raised in a small town, and am now living in another. It's a lifestyle I love.)
ReplyDeleteMay the eternal light shine upon him RIP. He gave a lot to others...givers are rare not ordinary.
ReplyDeleteA nice tribute, Bev. Nice for his eulogy, did you read back then? If you did I am sure you injected a little deviation now and then.
ReplyDelete..
As they say, so much to learn from the ordinary lives of extraordinary people.. this was so beautiful.. what can be more extraordinary than being remembered for goodness and kindness of heart. Am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeletewell i don't believe that anybody is ordinary, everybody has good stories to tell. your brother sounds like a great man, thanks for sharing this bev.
ReplyDeleteYour beautifully composed prose elicited a deep emotional response in me ... well done, Bev .. well done.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful and moving tribute.
ReplyDeletei think he's extraordinary, in the ordinary way he spreads love and joy to those around him. And he served in the Marines too.
An beautiful and affecting piece in its simple depiction of an extraordinary life. Great write, Bev.
ReplyDeleteLove and a life well lived is always beautiful, and thankfully no one needs to be extraordinary to have that. This was moving and so powerful in its simplicity, just like the person you wrote about. A perfect tribute.
ReplyDeleteIf at the end of a life someone says, "He was a good man," that says it all and there is no greater words that can be said.
ReplyDeleteBy your account, Beverly, he was a good man. You honor him and I'm sorry for your loss.
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man Beverly. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteAnna :o]
Hi Bev
ReplyDeleteHelen told me you are unwell
Hope you get better soon
I wrote a poem (wordle ) about you and Helen spending Thanksgiving with John Travolta. Hope it gives you a chuckle.