Pride - Integrity - Guts

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A few days ago, I attended the funeral of a friend that unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. He wasn't my best friend, but I wish now that he was. 

Among the many people in attendance for my mid-sixties friend, was his mid-nineties father.

Several people who knew my friend much better than I spoke from the pulpit. As I listened, I became riveted about the stories they told while learning so much about my friend. Stories from co-workers, relatives and friends told of his very distinguished military career, love for his wife, and love for children and sports.

But the most impressive testimony about my friend came from his father, also a decorated Marine. A most heart wrenching thing it must be to attend the funeral of one's only son so late into one's life. But this father handled it in stride by briefly stating how proud he was to be my friend's father; a person with his own pride, his own integrity, and his own guts. A person who worked hard his entire life, to build his life and effect the lives of everyone around him. And, most importantly, a man who loved Christ.

Now I'm no stranger to funerals, including military ones for both my co-workers and my own family. But, as I sit here, still in awe over what I witnessed, I can not help but wonder how many of us can truely say the same about our own children.

A legacy was left.
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