Me Thinks

I attended a funeral today for a very dear man, a friend of ours, and a hero of mine, Richard J. Galbraith. Here are some of the tributes paid to him during the service:

"You came away from a conversation with Dad feeling like a better person."
"He was consistent in his kindness."

"He told people he loved them."

"Dick had an understanding of how to love others."

"He told people he loved Sondra."

"He adored Sondra and treated her with love and respect."
"He valued Sondra's opinion."

"There were never harsh words spoken."

"He believed in me and stood by me."
"My Dad trusted us and taught us to be responsible."

"He gave me confidence that I could do hard things."

"He was very busy but we knew we were first."

"When he came home, he'd drop his coat and wrestle with us."

"He didn't put unrealistic expectations on us."

"When his hand came towards me it was to comfort me."

"He taught us the value of work."

"He taught us to make mistakes and learn."

"What kind of a man would I be without him as my father?"

"I'm grateful God gave me the privilege of knowing this good man."

"He didn't complain, even though he had some major life challenges."
"He had an awesome attitude."

"He took his challenges with grace."

"He focused on what mattered most."

"He wasn't judgmental."

"He lovingly looked after his widowed mother."

"The only thing we take with us is who we have become.  My father had become a true disciple of Jesus Christ."

"He taught the gospel, but more importantly, he lived it."

And now I would like to add a few words of my own...
Dick always had a complimentary word or two to share with me. He was unabashed in his declarations of love, not just for me, but for everyone.  He was not afraid to say it, and not afraid to show it. I felt like he was a personal friend, fan, and cheerleader. He saw the good in me and made me feel better about myself, and I think he did that with everyone.  Dick Galbraith was loyal and caring. He was good at asking questions and finding out about our parents, our children, and our lives. He was never too busy to talk. He loved to tell stories, laugh and reminisce. He was there as a support to us in the happy times, and reached out to us during the hard times. He was faithful, consistent, and reliable and we saw him as a fortress of goodness and spirituality.  He will be sorely missed! I am grateful to have known him and his life will continue to influence mine.