Reputation

Thursday at John's funeral there was a time of sharing memories with the 100+ people who were gathered there. I was impressed with everything I heard about him. It was clear that everyone was referring to the same person.

I think it speaks well of John that he was the same person with the same characteristics to everyone who knew him. People he went through school with or who served with him on the police force or in the maintenance department of the city, every niece and nephew (no matter which side of the family) said the same things about him. He was the same teasing, funny, and caring man to everyone.

As I sat there I wondered about the perception people have of me. Am I the same to everyone? Of course, you are closer to some people than others because people have differing degrees of openness, but for those who allow you to know them...I want to be the same person. Does that make sense? In a way I felt sort of possessive of him. He was MY brother-in-law! He joked with me! Upon listening to the eight or so people speak of him in the service, I rejoiced that he did allow everyone the opportunity to know him.

Anna Mae will have challenges living without her dear husband. Please keep her in your prayers. She will make it through with the help of our Lord and her friends and family. One thing is certain, she has no doubt about her husband's reputation. He was a great man.