In Memoriam

I just got back from New York after attending my uncle's funeral. It's the first funeral (thank goodness) that I have ever been to so I really have no basis for comparison, but damn my uncle knew a lot of people. The viewing had to be spreadout into 4 sessions over 2 days with a service during the last session. I only attended the sessions on the 2nd day, but I would estimate that there were probably around 400 ppl total who attended the viewings. At the last session with the service there were about 100 seats and they were all taken and the room was filled with people standing for the 1.5 hour service.

I learned a lot about my uncle over the past few days and it's sad it had to happen posthumously for him. I really wish that I had spent more time with him. Attending his funeral really made me think about what my funeral would be like if I dropped dead at this very moment (morbid thought, I know). First of all, can I say I led a fulfilling life? Definitely not. Granted that my uncle was twice my age, but still by the time he was my age I'm sure he had accomplished a lot more. Not only was a he a successful lawyer, he was a partner in three companies, president of an asian leadership organization in New York, had a HUGE guitar collection, had a passion for cars and motorcycles, avid skier, and a family man. I'm sure the list goes on.

At the actual service, there were probably about 150 people in attendance. How many people would attend my funeral? Aside from my family, I'd say probably about 20 to 30 people would show up, MAYBE 40. 150 people just seems amazing. Of the 150 people, about 10 or 15 of them spoke. People ranging from childhood friends to high school classmates to current business partners. All of them echoed each other and spoke about my uncle's generosity and willingness to help out those he cared about. It was obvious that my uncle touched a lot of people throughout his life and those people really wanted to thank him for all he's done.

My uncle is survived by my aunt and my two cousins. My heart truly goes out to them. I can't even imagine what it would be like to lose my father, especially at the ages of 16 and 19. Watching my aunt bring them up to the viewing for them to see their father for the first time since he passed was the most heartbreaking sight ever. There was literally not a dry eye in the house. I wish my aunt and cousins the best as they go through this difficult time, and Uncle Irwin, I hope to accomplish half of what you accomplished throughout your life. Rest in peace, Uncle.