A little over 42 years ago, my Dad was the best man at my wedding. That was probably one of the easiest decisions I ever made, because, you see, my Dad was ALWAYS the Best Man.
We lost our Dad on Friday and while our family is mourning the loss, it is even more appropriate to celebrate his remarkable life. The sheer number of people's lives that he touched over his nearly 90 years is astounding. His caring, kind manner was infectious and he instilled the values of family in all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Because, THAT was the most important thing in his life...family. Not just as he aged, but always.
My Dad was the most involved Dad of his generation. There was hardly anything his four sons were involved in that he wasn't totally invested in. From Little League to forming the high school football booster club to becoming the first president of the University of Georgia Parents Association, there was not much of anything he wouldn't do to support his "boys." And that included teaching us the life lessons that helped make us the people we are today....there is no substitute for hard work; you do whatever you need to do to accomplish the objective; kindness; compassion, keeping a sense of humor.....in short, how to be a a mensch.
If being loved was currency, then my Dad was one of the wealthiest men on earth. His four sons love for him was equaled or exceeded by his daughters in law who adored him. All of His eight grandchildren had special relationships with their Poppi and he had a unique ability to make each one feel special, conspiratorially professing to each grandchild that he or she was his "favorite." And as hard as it is to do, each one was his favorite! One of the first words his great grandchildren learned was "Poppi." During his final days, we were fortunate enough to include Poppi in his newest great grandson's Bris, via Skype, and the pride he exhibited will be remembered for eternity.
Dad had many dear friends and also had great affection for the friends of his sons. Over the years, he referred to several of our friends as his "fifth son" and they reciprocated the love and respect that he showed. His grandchildren's friends even called him Poppi!
Dad's memory and sense of history is going to be missed. He was my go to resource on Atlanta history, Atlanta Jewish history and family history. His recall of events, people and tidbits of information was astounding. After all, he accumulated nearly 90 years of stored information and could retrieve it faster than Google.
I love the fact that Dad was the "coolest" Dad and Grandfather around. He couldn't be shocked! It didn't matter to him if a son or grandchild was slightly unconventional or even screwed up royally. His support and understanding was unwavering. And, he tried to keep up with the times....utilizing his computer for email, bill pay and Skype. There are not many octogenarians that make that kind of effort.
His support of his sons and grandchildren was unwavering. Our successes were his successes. Our triumphs, his triumphs. And he even shared our bumps in the road. He was so proud of all of us in all of our endeavors.
His "never give up" attitude was exhibited in the last couple of months of his life as he got a new car, continued to buy new clothes and, although he was barely getting around with his walker, professing to a friend that he planned on getting back on the golf course soon. We use to joke with him that it was amazing that such a bad golfer could love the game so much. He loved to play, watch and read about golf. But, I think golf was also a convenient way to be with friends and connect with his sons that play.
Dad loved to watch sports. Most every day you could find him in front of the television watching his Braves or Falcons. Although he never went to college, he also became a big Georgia Bulldog fan.
Dad's emotional side is legendary in our family. Not only did he tear up when the National Anthem is played at a ball game, we could always count on waterworks when the family gathered or when any
significant or even not so significant event occurred involving a family member. He taught all of us that showing emotion is a good thing.
The incredible amount of respect and love toward my father was evident in the sheer number of people that attended his funeral and Shiva in Atlanta. People from all aspects and time of his remarkable life came to give him the proper send off. I saw people that I haven't seen in over 40 years...friends of ours from college and even childhood and high school friends.....all people that were touched by my Dad.
My Dad wasn't only my best man, he was my best friend. And I will miss him every day.
And The Journey continues.................
