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Life Notes: Greatest Man Lived Well, Died Wellby Missy Goodwin, Human Resources Assistant The greatest man I have ever known passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2005, at 2:23 a.m. He was my Dad. During the funeral services, the preacher said something that I know will stay with me for the rest of my life. He said that Daddy had "lived well and died well." Of course, we normally think of "living well" as having a lot of material possessions or wealth; at least that's how I usually think of it, so I was a little confused for a few seconds until I realized he was eluding to a deeper, truer meaning behind those words. Daddy was not a wealthy man. He had everything he needed and did not want for anything important; but he certainly did not enjoy a lavish lifestyle. But he DID enjoy LIFE. He was the kind of person who literally whistled while he worked, greeted everyone with a smile and a handshake, and still believed that when you give someone your word, it's as good as a written contract. He was "The Golden Rule" personified on a daily basis. I recently overheard part of a grocery store conversation between two elderly ladies, obviously discussing a mutual friend who had passed away. One lady was commenting to the other "...that's such a shame. He worked hard all his life, and that's all he had to show for it." I have no idea what came before or after in the conversation, but it started me thinking about what my Dad "had to show for it." It certainly wasn't a huge estate or a large sum of money, but what he did have to show for his 73 years on this earth was worth so much more. He left behind children who adored him, respected him, and who miss him terribly. He left behind other family members, as well as many friends, who loved him. But he left all of us with happy memories too numerous to count. However, almost as important as all that, he left behind something that neither money nor assets can ever buy: His Good Name. Not only did my dad exemplify what it means to "live well," but he also showed my sisters and me what it means to "die well." Die well? The whole concept is foreign to most of us, since dying is an event that most people (including me) are not exactly looking forward to, but realize the inevitability of it. Even in death, my dad was still teaching his children about life. I was very blessed to have been there, holding his hand when he took his last breath. Even then, he was a shining example of someone who is ready to go when the times comes. My Dad was ready - body and soul. Daddy, I know that I will see you again someday, and until then, I hope I can keep the legacy alive that you made sure you passed on to me--how to live well and die well. Life Notes: Complete List 2004 2003 The Life Notes articles are written by staff of Louisiana Methodist Children's Home and are published in The Ruston Daily Leader. | |||
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