Yesterday was Dad's 'gathering' or memorial service, funeral, whatever label you prefer. There was only one person I didn't really want to be there. To my surprise the person in question behaved themselves. Really I have to give it up to person. I was able to get through my part without crying because of them. The words they spoke did not strike me as heartfelt or sincere. The words made me feel and remember nothing. It was kind of an emotional pallet cleanser. It allowed me to stand and deliver without breaking down. Beautiful how things work out. I was surprised at some of the people that I didn't see. There was six or seven people I was just sure would be there that didn't show. The only thing that really left me with a bad taste in my mouth was a couple that were there as vultures:"So, where do you live now? Uh-huh, what about your sisters?" You should have seen them light up at the news that one of us lived out of state. The bastards are sure that Mom will be selling the house and land and want it at the best price possible.
I can't recall the exact words but here is a version of what I had to say: "Let me start off by admitting I am arrogant. Then again, I am Art's son. I get to be arrogant. So, what I say to you next is really out of character for me. I am not very smart. Now keep that in mind. When I was young I wanted to be three things, a football star, a rock star, and Superman. A football star does things that seem supernatural almost alien. People know about their accomplishments and tell stories about their feats. When I started football in 4th Grade I just knew it was my time. I showed up to the first day of practice ready to break records and put the world on notice. The coaches looked me up and down, smiled, and ask what position I thought I should play, I looked at them confused and stated what I thought was oblivious: Quarterback. Once they stopped laughing they asked me to show them my stance. I bent both knees thrust out my left arm for aim and cocked back my right arm to fire a pass down field. Not as funny to them the second time. Now a rock star was fairly out there. After piano lessons washed I figured my future as the being hailed the next Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Little Richard, or even Jerry's cousin Mickey was not to be. You see there is just something about rock stars. When they enter a room, everyone knows it. There is just this unseen shift. You feel them enter your proximity. Then we have Superman. Talk about shooting for the stars. He is god-like. The only person that comes close in power is Wonder Woman. In case y'all haven't seen the any of the movies the guy can reverse the spin of the earth and change the flow of time. Come on now. It took me years to figure out that I really just wanted to be Dad. All-State football team, you felt it when he entered the room, and now the world just isn't quite as safe now that Superman is gone."
"If I can't do it, partner, it can't be done." - Art Nave
I can't recall the exact words but here is a version of what I had to say: "Let me start off by admitting I am arrogant. Then again, I am Art's son. I get to be arrogant. So, what I say to you next is really out of character for me. I am not very smart. Now keep that in mind. When I was young I wanted to be three things, a football star, a rock star, and Superman. A football star does things that seem supernatural almost alien. People know about their accomplishments and tell stories about their feats. When I started football in 4th Grade I just knew it was my time. I showed up to the first day of practice ready to break records and put the world on notice. The coaches looked me up and down, smiled, and ask what position I thought I should play, I looked at them confused and stated what I thought was oblivious: Quarterback. Once they stopped laughing they asked me to show them my stance. I bent both knees thrust out my left arm for aim and cocked back my right arm to fire a pass down field. Not as funny to them the second time. Now a rock star was fairly out there. After piano lessons washed I figured my future as the being hailed the next Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Little Richard, or even Jerry's cousin Mickey was not to be. You see there is just something about rock stars. When they enter a room, everyone knows it. There is just this unseen shift. You feel them enter your proximity. Then we have Superman. Talk about shooting for the stars. He is god-like. The only person that comes close in power is Wonder Woman. In case y'all haven't seen the any of the movies the guy can reverse the spin of the earth and change the flow of time. Come on now. It took me years to figure out that I really just wanted to be Dad. All-State football team, you felt it when he entered the room, and now the world just isn't quite as safe now that Superman is gone."
"If I can't do it, partner, it can't be done." - Art Nave