THE EULOGY—GRACE UNDER PRESSURE (INTRO)
I am sure there are
people who could verify that I have been able to talk for a long time
even if I had very little to say. But for Kathy’s celebration I have
very much I want to say with almost no ability to say it. I can’t
control when a wave of emotion will suddenly surface and overwhelm me so
I’ve decided to write what I celebrate. (I may record some comments for
the 14th) The added advantage of writing what has become my eulogy to
her is that it is available to the family and friends who can’t be in
North Mankato on the 14th. And it will stay available if our grandkids
are more curious when they are grandadults. And folks who can celebrate
on the 14th don’t have to watch me blubber and slobber while
I---speak---very---slowly---for---a---very---long---time.
In
Kathy’s obituary I implied the essence of my thoughts without
explicitly expressing it. The words belong to Aung San Suu Kyi (with a
nod to Ernest Hemmingway):
“Fearlessness may be a gift
but perhaps the most precious thing is the courage acquired through
endeavor, courage that comes from cultivating the habit of refusing to
let fear dictate one’s actions, courage that could be described as
‘grace under pressure’—grace which is renewed repeatedly in the face of
harsh, unremitting pressure.”
I’ll expand a bit on the
obituary by sharing some thoughts of mine, thoughts from a letter she
wrote, and thoughts from a few of her teachers.
Bottom Line For Today: A hero has courage. Kathy had courage. Kathy is my hero.
To Be Continued.
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