On Wednesday I attended, along with many other folks, the funeral of my brother Paul. I've been to many funerals. The very best ones have lots of tears and lots of laughs. This one was way up there. The essence of Paul was conveyed.
Paul was blessed with a legendary, edgy sense of humor. Several folks shared their own personal testimonies about being on the receiving end of this humor. The minister shared several examples, intertwined with tales of Paul's unfailing love. Here's an example:
Paul had a good friend who died a while back. In the last months Paul was with him often as his friends' health was fading. As they sat watching football they sometimes held hands. Both wives thought it was sweet.
The man's wife was suffering mightily, watching her husband slowly disappear. But Paul dealt with her differently. No handholding. First off, her name is Charmin. But Paul called her Cottenelle (the slightly less expensive toilet tissue.) He teased her constantly.
Later on when Paul was fading she gave him a pan of brownies that were slightly overcooked. He took one of the brownies - nailed it to the garage - and asked his wife, Sandy, to take a picture of him (pretending to) shoot it with his gun. He then sent the photo to Cottenelle - I mean Charmin - and told her it was the only way he could break open the brownie.
We miss you Paul.
***
Paul and me in January |
Paul had a good friend who died a while back. In the last months Paul was with him often as his friends' health was fading. As they sat watching football they sometimes held hands. Both wives thought it was sweet.
The man's wife was suffering mightily, watching her husband slowly disappear. But Paul dealt with her differently. No handholding. First off, her name is Charmin. But Paul called her Cottenelle (the slightly less expensive toilet tissue.) He teased her constantly.
Later on when Paul was fading she gave him a pan of brownies that were slightly overcooked. He took one of the brownies - nailed it to the garage - and asked his wife, Sandy, to take a picture of him (pretending to) shoot it with his gun. He then sent the photo to Cottenelle - I mean Charmin - and told her it was the only way he could break open the brownie.
We miss you Paul.
***