Warren D., age 86, a thoughtful, wise, gentle, man was buried yesterday. All of his children, grandchildren and step-grandchildren were there, the farthest coming from England. In his honor, popcorn was served at the wake and hot dogs at the lunch after the funeral. There was a large crowd at the funeral and many at the wake.
I knew Warren for 49 years, ever since I began to make moves toward joining the curmudgeonette's family. Warren was married to the curmudgeonette's cousin for 62 years. Warren was not the same man I first knew those many years ago.
Why was he different? Warren has four very interesting children, all of whom have lived abroad. He travelled to visit them in various parts of the world. His grandchildren have picked up in travelling and life where their parents left off. Following the wake I had a fascinating conversation with a granddaughter and her husband about their 13 month trek around the world on their honeymoon. Warren changed because he was open to his children and grandchildren and he let their experiences influence his perspective on life and the world.
He was always a thoughtful person graduating from Augustana College (my alma mater) with a history major. His genius was allowing family, life and relationships to influence him. May he rest in peace and may we be inspired by his example to be life long learners open to others and the experiences they bring to us.
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