Tuesday, June 28, 2011

My Father's Tribute

My Daddy has been gone for a little over three weeks.  It has been the most difficult time in my life.  Below is the eulogy I did as read by Susan at the funeral:

Mr. Cagle, Principal, Coach Cagle, Uncle Buddy, RWC, Friend, Daddy and Grandaddy. So many roles Daddy held during his life and touched many lives throughout his 78 years here on earth. I think in a way we have been planning this service since March of 1974. Daddy said it was up to God when he died, but until he did, he planned to make every minute count and live life to the fullest.

My Daddy was and has always been a teacher and a life long learner. Even until his death he read every day and always tried to teach a lesson out of the simplest of things. He credited reading to his 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Betty Crider and even took me to meet her long ago so that I would know the lady who unlocked the key to learning for him.

As a daughter growing up he taught me many things – some successfully and some he would claim not so great. He taught me how to parallel park, shoot a pistol, carve a turkey, how to load as much luggage as possible in the trunk of a car and check the oil in the lawnmower (which he now understands is not something I ever want to do again). He taught Carolyn how to hook up a washing machine and install a ceiling fan by phone. He taught Carolyn, Susan and me how to jump start a boat engine with a can of ether (again one of those things we hope to never have to do again).

Over the last few days I have heard so many wonderful stories about how he impacted so many lives of people I didn’t know, fellow classmates, members of the community, and student’s who passed through his classes. The underlying theme of all of these wonderful memories was of his willingness to lend a hand or an ear and stop and help someone in need. Daddy was a fine Christian whose life was devoted to helping people better themselves.

As I became a parent, he continued to teach me many things: patience, enjoying simple things with your child and the importance of the family meal. He told me not long after Jake was born that you really only owed your children three things in life. He said you owe it to them take them to church and lead them to Christ. You owe them a college education. And, you owe them a lifetime of love. I was blessed that he paid his debt to me and my sister during our lifetime.

I graduated from college in three years debt free. When I was in law school and Kenny was in dental school, Daddy and Jabo furnished cars, gas, groceries, clothes and so many other things that allowed us to get our degrees. He paid his debt. He often joked that there would really not be a big inheritance because he planned to enjoy all he made and live until the money ran out but he knew that Carolyn and I were ok because we had good educations and could always get a job.

Our house was always filled with love. Daddy loved family and friends. He had a heart full of love and always had enough for everyone. I know that I have disappointed him from time to time in my life, but I always knew that no matter what, I had his love. He was devoted to my Mother and loved her with all his heart for more than 51 years. He always put her first. Recently when they were both in the hospital (which was a first), every time I went into check on him, he would say shortly, “Now go down there and be with your Mother. I don’t want her to be alone. Please go check on her for me.”

As for the third thing, I will always cling to memory of him leading me to Christ. It was a Sunday night after revival. He knew I wanted to go down front, but I hesitated. After church that Sunday night, we sat on the front steps at our house and he explained to me what it meant to become a Christian. He asked me if I wanted to invite Jesus into my heart and he prayed with me on the front steps. I knew from that moment that I was a child of God. Again, he paid the debt he claimed a parent owed a child.

A friend reminded me on Sunday that while we hurt today because our Daddy has died, let’s rejoice and remember that Daddy lived. He will live in our hearts and we were blessed for having had him on this earth for 78 wonderful years.

I miss you so much Daddy every single day.  I wish I could hug you just one more time!
 
I love you!









Saturday, June 11, 2011

This Week

It's been a week since my Daddy died.  I don't know the exact moment he died since he was out at the farm feeding the animals.  I know it was after 7 p.m. but before 8:30.  My Mother and our dear friend, Neilan, found him as he was walking to the goat pen.  We've found out so much about him this last week.  We have discovered that not a day went by that he did not try to help someone in some way.  He loved life and most of the people he met everyday on his journey through it.  Today has been tough for me but I am blessed by the memories I have of growing up with a wonderful father.  Not everyone gets to have their Daddy for 48 years.  I was blessed.    I miss you Daddy to the moon and back and I know Mom does too. 

Friday, June 10, 2011

My Daddy's Funeral

So sorry I haven't posted in a while but I've been busy planning my Daddy's funeral.  Southern funerals are a ritual.  You sign the book, take a pound cake or cheese and macaronni to the family, and attend the service.  I miss my Daddy.  I miss his laugh, his advice, his look that says I am in trouble.  I have loved the stories friends and students have shared.  I promise to be more diligent in my postings in the future.  He was larger than life and will be missed.

About Me

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Having been raised with manners and class by a real Southern Belle (which by the way has nothing to do with money), I spend my time trying to make my company always feel welcome and comfortable in my home and at social gatherings I often attend!!!!!!!!