My dad was a special individual, yet private. He did not want to burden anyone with the details of his illness. With his need to protect he shielded himself from you - caring friends and family who wished they could ease his pain. I know that my being true to my dad’s wishes caused undo stress in you - because he wouldn’t let you help. Please forgive us and my dad and remember in your hearts that the man we are remembering today was an incredible human being.
My sister and brother are great storytellers and me, well my stories are usually told through my camera. I have my dad to thank for the time and energy he always spent with me. Yes, it would have made him much happier if I started with the instruction book, but well, certain things will never change.
I know that all of you are here to help us through this difficult time. One of the ways you can help is by sharing the stories you have of my dad. We all know Howard or Heshie or Howie or Pop-pop or Daddy from our perspective, but there’s so much to still know about my dad. Help us create a living memory of him - come and sit and tell us things ...
For instance, I bet that you didn’t know that my dad told me that he’s favorite script letter is the letter L. Well, what a coincidence, the first letter of my name. I will always vividly remember the Sunday in Bellerose when my dad took me aside and taught me how to make the best script L in the world. Everytime I sign my name, even now, I think of the impact my dad has had on my daily life. While sitting in daddy’s hospital room in January, as I was waiting for him to go to surgery I wrote the following. It sums up all that I hope for, for my daddy, even now that his body is being put to rest.
I pray for your comfort
I pray for your peace.
May G-d know how
To
keep you in comfort and peace.
The love I have for you
Is deeper than you
can imagine.
You are my strength, you are my supporter.
You are my
daddy.
But daddy that I love so dear, please rest.
Please be
strong.
Please be comfortable.
And know that I will always love you.
Lauren