Yesterday we had a funeral/memorial service for my closest friend. He and I knew things about each other no one else on the planet knows.

He died of acute renal failure on April 22.

I was asked by his wife to give the eulogy.

Writing it was tough. Trying to honor to him in a mere 10 minutes taxed my writing skills and emotions as I had to keep practicing it to ensure it fit in the time allotted. I'd write, practice, grieve, write, practice, grieve... Over and over. I was still refining it two hours before the service.

The time came, I rise, hobbled my way to the lecture, and spoke.

I'd hoped it would be cathartic but today I still miss my friend.

Sorry for your loss! I'm sure the eulogy was very thoughtful, as only a close friend could give. He's up there smiling on you!!!!

I know what you are going through. My wife is in the Hospital with Stage IV Lung Cancer, and is too weak to undergo Chemo.

If that wasn't bad enough, one of my other Cowboy friends died yesterday. It hurts my heart.

Sorry for your loss brother

I have not forgotten your offer when I was hospitalized at Easter. It goes both ways. I’m still not right (see the surgeon again tomorrow) but I can manage a lu ch somewhere. Just let me know

May your friend RIP

The missing stays a long time. But it also means they're still sorta here with us.
Couldn't tell ya how often I see something and think, damn, Bobby would love this...

I am sure you did a great job honoring the life of your friend.

I think true best friends in ones life you can count on one hand. That is how few they are for most of us.

I am very sorry that you lost one.

I am very sorry for your loss.

I still play Elton John's Funeral for a Friend every time I attend a funeral.

It is the saddest of times and the best of times, as we remember the bonds that made us the best of friends.!!!

I'm sorry for your loss. I was too torn up at the deaths of my parents and sister to give a eulogy and it bothers me today that I did not.

flashguy

May his memory be a constant blessing.

You have my condolences. I am certain you did his memory honor.

I’m so sorry for your loss. Good friends are hard to find.

Sorry for your loss.
It must have been tough, probably will always miss him.
I gave one for my younger brother. It was tough for me to get thru it emotionally.
I still miss him and am sure you will miss your friend all your life.
We shot together, played softball and pickup basketball together and lived 3 miles apart.
Just remember the good times.

Sorry for your loss. Words are hard to find that describe the loss. Prayers for you.

In 2014 a close friend, one of the six of us who were very close in High School, committed suicide. His parents and wife asked me to speak at his funeral. I was honored.

I'm not really a speech writer. I use cue cards with my topics and key details in the order I want and just talk my way through, reading the crowd and embellishing as I go. Knowing he was a unique guy, very funny, and wouldn't want a solemn eulogy I kept it light. I related many of his/our exploits and stunts, things he shared about his kids, his wife, sister, & parents and how important they were to him. At the end I was told by many that it was 'perfect' for him.

Then two weeks later I received a call from his sister. They were doing a second memorial service in our hometown so those who couldn't travel to where he was living could attend, and they would intern his ashes that same day. I was asked to repeat the speech, and this time I would be the only speaker as the others didn't wish to speak again.

Which was fine except that speech was a one off given how I do it and I had no idea what I did with my note cards. I felt like a musician that did a freelance solo at a concert and was asked to repeat it note for note a month later. Fortunately found the notes I wrote the cards from and was able to piece it together. I was WAY more nervous the 2nd time around. I didn't think the 2nd round was as good, but the opinion of the attendees was that it was spot on. Thank god there wasn't a need for a third.

I'm glad you had the opportunity to speak about your friend. It did a lot for me in handling the loss, I hope it did the same for you.

I can write an hour long speech in half an hour but it takes four hours to edit that speech into 15 minutes.
I can imagine how you feel. I’ve not lost anyone that close to me yet and i’ve lost both parents and a sister.

Sorry for your loss.

quote:

I was asked by his wife to give the eulogy.

Writing it was tough. Trying to honor to him in a mere 10 minutes taxed my writing skills and emotions as I had to keep practicing it to ensure it fit in the time allotted. I'd write, practice, grieve, write, practice, grieve... Over and over. I was still refining it two hours before the service.

The time came, I rise, hobbled my way to the lecture, and spoke.

It was an honor to be asked.
I'm certain you gave him a fitting tribute.

it's fine and dandy to keep talking to him ,
keep an eye out for coins laying around.