A Perfect, Devoted Friend.

 Back in February, I told you about my friend Robert’s suicide.  Until now, his wife has been unable, mentally and emotionally, to have a memorial service. But she rallied and the service was today.  I was asked to give the eulogy. 

A few years ago, Robert called me and asked if I would cover for him at the funeral of a friend.  He was to deliver the eulogy and had a last minute emergency and couldn’t do it so he asked me to read what he had written. I did. The theme of his eulogy was “A Perfect, Devoted Friend”.  I used a variation on that theme today. I told how we had been friends since we were 3 years old, how we started school together and went through 12th grade together. I told of some of our “adventures” as teenagers, (at least the ones I could talk about in church!)  and how we bonded even more after the deaths of our friends Reuben and Tim. How even though he was halfway around the world, he never forgot his old friend. I said I hope he knew how much his friendship meant to me   

When his sister asked me to do this, I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I resolved to get through it and  not let my emotions overwhelm me.  I barely made it.  Toward the end, my voice broke and I almost couldn’t finish.  But I persevered.  

Tonight I’m still grieving, but I’m comforted by the good memories of my friend.  

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