Tag: funeral

TommyLog – A Musical Tribute & Sharing Talents

Hey Kids it’s dad, And for today’s TommyLog I want to talk to you and close the chapter on the funerals I attended last week. As you recall I attended the funeral of the son of a friend from church. Sadly a few days after his son passed, his wife passed away also. This is about his wife’s funeral.

This funeral had a completely different tone than his sons funeral. For one thing I knew Maggie personally. She was such a beautiful person inside and out. Maggie was an internationally known opera singer who spent over 30 years traveling Europe. She sang in some of the most world renowned opera houses in the world.

Her voice was simply amazing!!

At her funeral, one of her students took time out of her busy schedule to pay tribute to Maggie. She sang a few opera selections in Italian – – I couldn’t tell you a word that she said – – but that was so beautiful.

She shared her heart and she shared her talents with us. A touching tribute to such an amazing human being.

There was not a dry eye in the entire place. Maggie spirit filled the room through Jennifer’s voice. It was truly, truly remarkable. While I was listening to this beautiful music and thinking about the life of Maggie, I couldn’t help but think what an amazing tour guide she would’ve been, to take you to all the hottest spot in Europe. From opera houses to famous restaurants to amazing attractions.

Thank you so much Jennifer for bringing in such an amazing spirit and for such a touching tribute to sweet Maggie. You are an amazing example of how you let your talents shine and not hide them under a bushel.

Till we meet again song bird Maggie. Again thank you Jennifer for making this memorial service one of the most awesome ones I’ve ever attended. You’re an amazing human being.

Kids – – we need to all be a lot more like Jennifer. Share your talents wherever you go. You never know the impact he will have!

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TommyLog – How Do You Want To be Remembered

Hey Kids it’s dad, and for today’s Tommy log I want to talk to you about an experience I had last week. Last week a friend of the family lost his son. His son was struggling with some health issues in recent years. He was only 53 years old.

The service was held at Appleton alliance church. This is a much different congregation then I’m used to going to at the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because this was a new church, I wanted to arrive early, get my bearings – – pay my respects and give my condolences to the father.

The music was beautiful as was the message. But things were very different. During the eulogy I was told about a man who was star running back on his high school and college football teams. Was a community leader and branch manager of a financial institution here in town. But when I looked around I got sad. I saw less than 50 people at the service. I just didn’t understand.

As I do at many memorial services I kind of sit back and reflect on my own life. I sat back and thought what would people say about me. Here is this man and all he gets is an hour. His 53 years all summed up in music and spoken word lasts about an hour. He wasn’t some mega A-list celebrity and won’t  get a huge memorial service. He probably will not have a building named after him – – and won’t have a star on the walk of fame.

What is your legacy going to be? You’re only going to get an hour – – what will people say about you?

This really hit me hard. I don’t know why. I don’t know why am so concerned. But I am. I love you all. And I’m thankful to be your dad.

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I’m So Sorry, It’s My Loss

Went to pay respects to the Lang family and especially Jess Dennis who lost her brother last week. As i waited in line, which ran out the door at time, I was just empty with what to say? What do you say in a time of tragedy like that? I had no clue. I was really stumped. I guess just having me stop over was all the words I needed to say, but you wish you had some grand words to say… then it hit me. I just said “Hi I’m Tommy, I’m sorry for your loss. It’s my loss that I never got to meet Erik.” Bam, done- that’s it.  I had never met Jess’s Mom or Dad before and that’s how I did it and it worked fine.

Jessica, I’m so sorry for your loss. I really got nothing. Words can’t take it away, but maybe the hug helped…a little.

TommyLog – 100 People in Line

Went to pay respects to a long time co-worker who passed away unexpectedly last weekend. When I arrived at the funeral home, there were over 80+ people in line and when I left the line was darn near out the door! What an amazing tribute to a great father, super husband and just all around nice guy! Working with someone for 14 years, you draw close.

I am at such a loss for words. What do you say to the kids and wife? Sadly no hallmark cards do justice. Really makes you think about your own life, legacy and how you act and treat others. Dave was a great example and it showed by the turn out.

Till we meet again David!

TommyLog – How the past still goes deep

This week I reconnected with a family from my childhood past. Their name is the Horsley family and I just love them. They have a son Scott who I was rather close to and he was killed in a terrible car crash in 1983. Reconnecting to them really brought back his memory. Just amazing how much I remember of that event and how hard it still hits deep.

Mom Horsely, Gloria and big sister, Heidi both have their doctorate and have started a foundation to help siblings in time of loss and grief. Well worth a trip over to give support http://www.opentohope.com/