FAREWELL, STANLEY

Tonight we went to say: “good bye” to Stanley. Being how he passed on, we decided to pay out last respects to the man. We were glad we did.

TLW (The Little Woman) and I got in our car and drove to Wading River and the funeral parlor that accommodated Stanley. You know when you die a poor man, a man with no skills and no abilities to impress people; you can die lonely.

Stanley laid in his coffin, dressed rather handsomely, a tie and jacket, perfectly coordinated. He looked like he was a CEO of General Motors. Although the room was mostly quiet, for lack of visitors, his brother greeted us at the front of the room. He was happy that someone remembered this brother.

We introduced ourselves, and related a story about our daughter Ellen who sat with Stanley. Stan’s brother in turn related another story about a fellow who lives in the same house that Stan lived in, how he went into Stan’s room, sat on his bed, and refused to come out.

Driving home, I did a little thinking about Stanley, how he was in pain when he died, and how sad I was to hear that. That ugly disease Cancer claimed him, and although it may have consumed his body, his spirit is still, very much alive.

I am grateful for Stanley’s life, he gave much joy to my daughter. He made life whole; he made it joyful for Ellen.

I hope that more people come by to pay their respects. I know it is easy to forget a life like Stanley’s, but we must remember he was one of us, a human being. When we die, we will all be Stanley’s equal, no better, no worse. The people who took care of him, raised the human spirit a hundred fold. God bless everyone of them.

Good bye, Stanley, the world may forget you, and so will I, but it will forget all of us someday.