Sometime ago I heard an explanation of the word "LOVE'
A. Friendship
B. Empathy-feeling with' not for someone
C. Agape- unconditional love
Dad knew the meaning of love and practiced it in every way.
He was my friend, confident and always made me feel special. I truly felt loved. A love that grew and grew, it never faded. We had something special. "one on one" loaded with "trust and warmth". He was my best friend, and I thought I was his. I was wrong. I wasn't the only one he felt this way about. When I arrived here on Saturday, my wonderful, wonderful sisters asked me if I wanted to say a few words about Dad. Being the only son I might like to, but only if I was up to it.
My thoughts were to be the spokesman for our family, so I started to ask my sisters, brothers-in-law and grandchildren about some of their feelings and thought about Dad. I discovered that I wasn't the only one who had a SPECIAL THING with Dad. Each and every one said he was their best friend and confidant. He had that wonderful "non-judgemental love" for each of us, and that unique attribute to be interested in all of us individually. It is unbelievable that anyone could have the time and patience to show so much love and be so intimately involved with so many. Think of it - 11 children, my brothers-inlaw included, 54 grandchildren- each with his own intimate story of love-
Grandad turning a coin on his wrist
Grandad with his strong handshake
Grandad sending an article of interest suddenly in the mail.
Grandad never missing a Birthday
Grandad shooting a game of pool
owes me 1.25 at gin. Said he's going to wipe it out as soon as he gets well.
Grandad talking about his beloved Red Sox
Rooting for the Celtics
Giving advice for a problem
Smoothing out a marital problem
on and on and on..................
My sister Saundra and I were waiting in Dad's hospital room while he was sleeping. My Mother arrived in a wheelchair. When Dad awoke we saw a demonstration of love between husband and wife that will last forever in my memory. They kissed, hugged, schmecked and exchanged "I LOVE YOU'S' with such depth and deep profound feelings that we couldn't help but break down in tears. so beautiful- it was incredible- SEVENTY YEARS OF LOVE. This Dad shared with us openly.
I know if Dad could have one wish it would be my family, my wonderful family - love each other- stay close- don't drift apart. Forgive and forget, never stop loving one another. Demonstrate as I have to you, to yours to teach to theirs how important the close loving family is. Show them the way, give them the gift I give you. HOW TO LOVE AND BE LOVED.
I am sending this on to all of you so that you will remember what our family stands for. We have a legacy to uphold.
Cousins Blog is in honor of my mother Hannah, first daughter of Pauline and Sam Rattet. It is for everyone related to the Rattet family. Once you are a member, you can "post" and "comment". To post, click the "sign in" in upper right corner of page or Blogger logo "B" on upper left corner of page.
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Pauline and Sam Rattet
Hannah Brodie
My mother, daughter of Pauline and Sam Rattet
1 comment:
Aunt Saundra, thanks so much for posting Uncle Milty's eulogy. How long ago was it that Granddad died, anyway? I remember as if it were yesterday when I was a kid and he and Granny came to visit. Granddad was always so happy to see everyone. It was like a gift, his radiance and charm filled our house.
But it is also you and Uncle Milt and my mom and the rest of the aunts who have passed unconditional love down through successive generations. When I see families where members had some falling out over, what, some stupid piece of property or whatever, and have refused to speak for years and even decades, I'm astonished. You've taught us that love of family simply is. I hope we are doing as good a job passing on Granddad's most important legacy.
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