Memorial

This afternoon, I went to a memorial service for the father of the main partner at my law firm.  The man, in his 90s, died on his birthday an hour after celebrating with his family.  What an amazing way to conclude a life. 

The memorial service was very subdued and dignified.  The man was an accomplished physician, who had spent much of his life assisting indigent populations.  By all accounts, he was a true gentleman, a very kind human being who enjoyed his life and who treated people with respect and care.  The service could have highlighted his many accomplishments and the significance he had in many peoples’ lives.  Instead, his son spoke of him for about half an hour, telling the man’s life story in humorous and straightforward terms.  There was a great deal more chuckling than tears at this service. 

I know his son and his granddaughter, who is my age; I work (sometimes closely) with them.  And just by knowing them, I would have been surprised if it had been any other way.  I spent several weeks on a trial team with both of them, and through the whole thing, both were first class people.  They are both very modest; always turning compliments and accolades around to include the team and deflecting personal compliments.  It was a pleasure to spend time with them during what was otherwise a very stressful trial (not sure there are any other sorts). 

The afternoon reminded me of the After Life post from a few weeks ago.  This man has an “after life” that is inspirational.  His good qualities and his kindness live on in his son and granddaughter, and other members of the family.  There were no trumpets, no loud tributes.  Just a simple acknowledgement of a life well lived; this acknowledgement will continue forward every day in the lives these people live, and will continue to inspire others.  That, to me, is an after life worth striving for.