Celebrating Phil Henry

I spent this afternoon with many others celebrating the life of my dear brother-in-law Phil Henry, who died March 14 of weak kidneys and a strong will. He asked me to read these words at his memorial service, and I was honored to comply.

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As I write this, I'm 80 years old and know that the pages of my life's book have mostly been written….and when you hear these words, the last page will have been written.

To my family and friends present today, I say "hello" and "goodbye."  I'm sure the irony does not escape you.

First, thank you for being my friends; thank you for being my family.  Each of you has played an important part in the mosaic of my life. 

There are others who have already died; many who have been very important to me.  A double posthumous thanks to:

Debbie,

Big T and Pat,

Rich,

Lee,

Pete,

my sister Marlee,

and so many others who enriched my life.

I'd like to share with you a few of my feelings about life and death. 

Richard Feynman, arguably one of the greatest theoretical physicists of the 20th century, said on his deathbed,

"We are lost in this mysterious universe that has no purpose, which is the way it really is as far as I can tell.  It doesn't frighten me." 

This thought has always resonated with me.

My life has been mostly rewarding, and I want you to know that the main reason for that is my wife Nancy.  She has shared with me most all of the wonderful texture of living.  She has been the love of my life.

I have been fortunate:

I have loved and been loved.

I have experienced victory and defeat.

I have marveled at the natural world.

I have traveled to exotic places on our earth and have had a glimpse of other cultures.

I have lived through different time periods--I call it time travel--and if you think that the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s weren't a different world from the 21st century, think again.

I've said goodbye to all those things now.  I have no illusion about going to "a better (or worse) place." 

I feel lucky to have been able to appreciate on earth the things that, for me, create the proverbial heaven:

A good laugh

The changing seasons

Good music

Nature in all her aspects

Companionship and love

Curiosity

A fine meal.

All who have known me are aware that I think music is transformational. . .