Tuesday, April 5, 2011

E is for Eulogy



This is the eulogy my son gave at his stepfather Ralph's funeral. I may have posted it before but it is something I read over and over. So here it is again.

A few months before Ralph passed away, he said that he really wanted to see the grandkids (which he hadn’t for some time since they were too young to come into his room). So the hosipital arranged for a visit where they brought his bed downstairs. It was a lot of effort to make it happen but they made it work. It was very emotional for Ralph to see Gabriella and Marco and in his own way, to say “goodbye” to them. It was really hard for me as well. And something really struck me that Ralph had said. He was worried that Gabriella would “forget him.” So after that, I put this letter together for him, because I knew I would never be able to say these things without getting too upset.

So…here it is….

Dear Ralph,

It is hard to express myself right now with spoken words as I tend to get very emotional when I come to visit. So, I thought I would write you this letter.

Although I have called you by your first name all of my life, I have always seen you as my father. You were there for us from almost the beginning and stayed with us through all our birthdays, special holidays, graduations, and every milestone in our lives. This has continued with Gabriella and Marco. You have taken the role of their one and only grandfather. They will never forget you for that. And neither will Monica and me.

I just wanted to thank you for helping me grow into the man, husband and father I am today. And for being a fine husband to my mom, father to me, Lori and Bryan, and grandfather to Gabriella and Marco. You have had a major impact on all our lives and we will always love you and appreciate everything you have done for us.

You asked if Gabriella would remember you. I don’t see how she could ever forget you. None of us will.

Thanks for everything Dad/Grandpa.


Love,

Michael

9 comments:

Dafeenah said... [Reply to comment]

Truly touching. So few words but so much said. He must have been an amazing man. Thank you for letting me get to know him through this letter.

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

This is really beautiful. Hard to read without getting teary.


Wool'n'Nuts

raisingmarshmallows said... [Reply to comment]

That made me cry, I couldn't help it...what a beautiful and personal thing to share, thank you.

Nikki

Boo said... [Reply to comment]

yes you have posted it before

but like you ...

I don't tire of reading it either

beautiful, strong and heartfelt

Holly Jahangiri said... [Reply to comment]

What a wonderful letter.

I'm so glad that the hospital managed to arrange the visit with Ralph's grandchildren; age restrictions should be lifted immediately under certain circumstances. I think most hospitals will make sensible exceptions - sometimes you have to enlist the aid of the doctor in charge, but they will.

Margaret Hall said... [Reply to comment]

((Sorry I am late commenting, life got in the way..)
What a truly beautiful letter that was written, and I feel that there was not a dry eye from those that heard it...Thank you for sharing through your blog, your personal feelings and how your reaction to the letter was...
Now to your post of "F"...

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http://imagesinthought.blogspot.com/
http://the-old-story-tree.blogspot.com/
http://bagladythoughts.blogspot.com/

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