Yesterday, I went to a funeral of a man I’ve never met. I arrived early and sat alone in the church pew waiting for the service to begin, watching photos of his life flash across a large monitor. Pictures of him as a young man serving during the Korean Conflict, pictures with his high school sweetheart and wife of 63 years. Pictures of raising kids, going on vacation and family gatherings.
Once the service commenced, I listened to those who had stories and memories to share. I learned a lot about him as a man.
He was described as steadfast and faithful, a family man, and a man of God. Words like integrity, honesty, humble and true were cloaked upon him. He had traveled the world, but was the happiest when he was home. In many ways, he was the kind of guy who could be described as “salt of the earth.” His younger brother mentioned that he never heard him utter a cross word toward others. His eldest grandson said he was more like Jesus than anyone he had ever met. Friends talked about his big smile and his willingness to help others. One of his granddaughters fought away tears as she described their special bond. He was indeed, by all accounts, a good man.
On more than one occasion, I wiped a tear from my eye thinking about a man who meant so much to so many. I found myself contemplating the fleeting nature of life itself and the role that each of us plays. Our life can be measured, in part, by the impact we have on others. And we never fully understand the ripple effect that we have.
I never met Jack Moore. But in some ways, I feel like I know him. The minister mentioned in the service that you can tell a lot about a man by the family he raises. I am good friends with two of his three grown children. I didn’t need to meet Jack Moore to know that he was a devoted and loving father. Or that he was loved and admired by many.
By many accounts, Jack was a simple man who had a simple life. He was quiet and reserved and preferred to be behind the scenes rather than in the spotlight. But there was depth below the surface. He was a man of duty and honor, like many of his generation. From my limited perspective, he was comfortable and content with his place in the world and went about making a positive contribution each and every day.
I was once told that the ordinary moments of our life are what make our life distinctive. In a recent interview, Brene Brown said, “A good life happens when you stop and are grateful for the ordinary moments that so many of us steamroll over to try to find those extraordinary moments.” I have no doubt that Jack Moore knew and practiced this better than most.
In a day and age where bigger or flashier is often equated with better and egos vie for attention, I was humbled and inspired by the quiet and purposeful presence of a great man who I never met. His ripple continues.
