My Two Cents From The Celebration

I had sentiments to share at the Celebration of Life that I never had a chance to say. It went 2 hours and being the facilitator that was long enough. Whether I got them out or not was not a big deal except for the fact that Pops asked to hear them the other day. I told him these things while he sat at his house...

Baptism: I was eight years old when I was baptized by my father at the Medina River in Bandera, Texas. He came up to me from the middle of the river, as he had baptized someone else prior to me, and held out his hand for me. He nodded at me and said " You will never forget this the rest of your life." So far he is right. The lighting in the old photos is majestic- or God given to this day.

West Texas: He took me out of school and took me on a trip to West Texas. We went to Lubbock and San Angelo and we went to a crematory in the area. I got to look through a thick, small window and watch a body get cremated. A cool deal, if your Dad is a big wig in combustion equipment. MAXON burners did the job.... We drove to other places, and made calls, and what I remember is that Pops let me sit on his lap and "drive" the steering wheel while he worked the pedals on the Buick down below. Long, straight roads out in west Texas. Also, we went and saw "The Champ" (1979). This is the only movie I ever saw with him- just me and my Dad.

Woodlands Marathon: As a small child I remember going to the Woodlands- which was a new place at the time. I remember Pops running the race on more than one occasion. I also remember tracking up the finish line and getting roughly a half mile to a mile up the finish---- backtracking and looking for Pops. It meant so much to me to find him and run in with him. I watched others struggling around him. Biggest deal was that I knew how much training he had put into it. As a kid, we hung out and did so much in our cul-de-sac. Every 45 minutes or so he would plod along and fulfill his 5 mile track. He would come by the front of the cul-de-sac every 45 minutes or so. I thought, "no way"- and now I yearn for it after running 4 myself, it's a total soul completion deal- and a vindication for Pops. I enjoy having my kids run in with me- I do not know if it means as much to them, but I always thought it was a unique thing to experience.