About 10 years ago a friend dropped in to our place with a request - " would you guys ( first my wife then myself) be my Executor?" he asked.
'Of course " we replied,
Then about a year ago the same friend wanted to talk about his final requests. He's a single guy, retired and a collector of all things. All his friends and neighbors love him. He'd give the shirt off his back to anyone, and never accept anything in return except perhaps a diet cola or a stogie.
As he mentioned what he wanted my wife was doing a mental tally and when he finished she said " Check your finances and see if you can manage the costs. It turned out to be beyond his means so in his own way he found a solution.
He bought his own hearse.....complete with a casket.
Then, sadly, just 3 weeks ago the day came. He had liver/pancreatic cancer and passed quickly.
My wife and I handled all his needs, but he left his house to my wife. We decided once all the debts are paid and we have a letter of clearance from the CRA that any money left from the sale of his home will go to his 2 brothers and 1 sister. We couldn't in good conscience keep it ourselves.
He was cremated, we had a celebration of life and were astounded at all the people he'd touched in his life. He always wore bib coveralls so my wife took one of his pair and made a cover for his urn.
The following day one of our son's and myself had the honor of taking him on the front seat between us for his final ride in his hearse. We listened to George Jones ( his favourite) and laughed at some of the funny things we recalled over his life.
At the cemetery I laid him to ground.
We're really going to miss him. Rest easy my friend, you've surely earned it.
Yes , loosing a good friend is tough. I am sure many here can share your
pain at this time. All we can do is remember the good times and
maybe give a call to one we may not have seen in awhile. Ed
It reminds us all to stay in touch while we can. I am missing more people increasingly now. I should be more of a 'phone person' I guess. Maybe I will just have to hop in the truck and visit more. So many nice people still out there. Thank you Iwannagofast.
