I recently had the privilege of attending the funerals of two exceptional people. Each left a legacy of love that will last through all the generations they leave behind, and probably beyond.
My friend Tricia’s dad Mike stood tall and strong. I featured him and his wife Rose in a Valentine’s Week tribute earlier this year. The Grabners raised their four kids to understand the importance of ethics, that sportsmanship trumps skill even if you’re the tallest, most talented person on the court.
Because he honored his commitments, Mr. Grabner taught his kids and grandkids to do the same. He showed them how to bait a hook, identify a tree, hunt a deer and honor the gifts of nature.
For 86 years, he showed up for his family and they did the same for him.
At his funeral last Friday, Mike’s oldest daughter Michelle described him as a “profoundly good man.”
I can’t think of a better legacy.
Our friend Marge Higgins was a profoundly good person as well. She was also a hoot.
Friends and family filled a huge church yesterday to bid her farewell. At her request (because she wanted her funeral to be a joyous occasion), most of the people there wore yellow.
Because she sought it so intently, Marge found joy in nearly every corner. She is the only nonagenarian I know to hop on the zip line at Pierce Park, because it looked like fun. I wrote about her, too. She was everybody’s Grammy.
A childhood battle with polio did nothing to tamp down Marge’s zest for life. In fact, it probably ignited it. She never wanted to miss a single opportunity to celebrate. Grammy showed up gleefully for parties and compassionately for people.
I share these stories both as a tribute to them, and as a lesson to all of us. In a world that increasingly encourages us to judge success by the noise we make, the followers we attract, the attention we draw, it’s nice to recognize the dignity of quieter resolve and the multi-generational endurance of love.
Let’s all strive to be profoundly good people.
May God Bless Mike (Mr. Grabner to me), Marge (Grammy to all), and their families.
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Oh we so loved Grammy and she loved us too! It was felt every time we were with her. A cheerleader for all of us and believe me there were many of us. Thank you Higgin’s family for sharing your mom with the Turner family.
Marge lit up the room and filled us with joy every time we were with her! Heaven is brighter with her up there!
She was a bright light and I’m sure you’re right that heaven is brighter with her in it too.