Chances

Today I attended a funeral. A very kind man passed away. He was the head of the maintenance department in our housing area. He was diagnosed just last month with the cancer that took his life. He was still very young-in his early fifties. I ache for the sadness that his family feels in knowing they won't have him around anymore. I am also thrilled to have been able to know him and to attend his funeral and hear even more testimony of how great he was from those who knew him best. It will take me a long time to be as loving to ALL as he was. But I hope I can take the chances given to me and try. There were a few comments made that were worth remembering that epitomized who he was.
"You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving."

Adam fell that men might be and Men are that they might have Joy. 2 Nephi 2:25

"When you are living the gospel fully, everyone can see how happy you are."

"He not only gave his wife flowers on Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, their anniversary and her birthday, but also on the birthday of each of their children to let her know how much he loved and appreciated her."

"His favorite role in life was that of being Papa to his 7 grandchildren."

Funerals can be so sad, but in the case of it being for a man who lived and loved well, it is so joyous to hear the happy stories and be reminded of who he was. Thankfully, I have a few more chances to try and become a better person. Thanks to Dennis for being so kind 100% of the time. You will be missed.