Eulogy I gave at my father’s memorial.
Thank you all for gathering on this beautiful day on behalf of my father and especially here on the river at the family park where dad felt at home.
Years ago dad told me that when was very young he lost most of his hearing to a severe ear infection. From that challenge rose a unique individual as his other senses were heightened to color his experiences. At age 50 after receiving his first hearing aids he said he heard the birds singing for the first time and cried at its beauty.
In 2011 dad started to experience breathing issues which he later told me he considered a gift. His condition ignited a focus on building his spiritual life, and I am happy to say that he never wavered or lost sight of his light. Through his dedication he taught me to turn hardships into an amazing grace as he considered himself the luckiest man alive.
He taught me to always strive for understanding, to act with kindness and compassion, and to forgive with an open heart. He would remind me, “more Love, not less”. Always they’re guiding me back on course to allow love to live in my life.
My father also believed that forgiveness was the key to living with an open heart. He’d remind me to hold on only, to the most precious moments, the good times, and watch how forgiveness wins by bringing you closer to the true nature of your loving kindness.
He also would remind me, “Don’t take yourself so seriously!” Finding that life is only as serious as you make it. And it’s never too late to laugh, especially at yourself.
My father's understanding and wisdom were his most precious gifts. He would say “the only thing consistent is change” and to embrace it when it comes, because boy, it’s coming. He instilled me with knowledge that has made many challenges easier and the good times even more precious. He called this mind-set, “The present moment reality.”
He saw his life defined by the reach of his love, and for those that experienced his love, also realized the love he saw in you.
He also had quite the imagination. One of my father's dreams was to build elaborate healing gardens he called “Quiet Garden.” A place where people could come together in oneness with a common goal of creating peace and harmony in each others lives and in our communities. He believed in the power of silence, and understood the value of natures gifts, in providing life by nurturing our bodies, minds, and spirits.
My brother Jason and I were lucky to grow up landscaping homes by dad’s side. At the time, little did we know we were helping build dad’s Quiet Gardens. It brings me great joy knowing that every garden he worked with holds a piece of his heart, his passion, and his love for all life. So that makes some of your gardens and this land, dad’s Quiet Garden.
He also had a knack for writing, I’d like to share with you, “Quiet Garden is not just a physical space but an essence of completion. It is a personal connection to the divine nature that allows us to reconnect with our highest calling. As we continue to work towards the transformation of ourselves and our planet, Quiet Garden remains a beacon of light and a catalyst for the evolution of humanity in unity consciousness. So, I invite you to connect with the essence of your Quiet Garden and allow its spirit of living life to have its way with you. May it bring you to your senses and inspire you to reconnect with your highest calling.” Here’s to Dad’s Quiet Gardens.
My heart is filled with gratitude for the man my father was. He was the bravest and kindest person I have ever known. The bravest because he kept an open heart despite all the reasons to guard it, because of this, his message of kindness will live on forever. In every sunrise and sunset, every moonlit stream, every breeze and every bird song.
Thank you everyone for gathering here today and Thank you Dad, for everything. Rest in peace, breathe easy, and I'll see you on the other side.
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