This Christmas we said goodbye to my grandfather, Ned Brown. A legend in Beaufort, South Carolina, his memories left everyone laughing and loving each other a little more. The following definition of a successful man was read at his funeral. I think he is the only one in the family that truly fulfills every line:
"He has achieved success who has lived well,
laughed often and loved much;
Who has enjoyed the trust of pure women,
the respect of intelligent men
and the love of little children;
Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
Who has left the world better than he found it,
whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
Who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it;
Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had;
Whose life was an inspiration; whose memory is a benediction."
This was the slide show that we put together for friends and family during the services. I think it really shows his breadth of experience and love of people. (Make sure you have your sound turned on):
Hi Stef, it's me, Jane Stouffer. The very first time I met Ned was at his house at the river on a sultry summer afternoon. We sat out on the porch and there was a delicious breeze coming off the river and I remember saying "when you die and go to Heaven, you get to go sit on Ned Brown's porch and eat shrimp 'n crab 'n ting." I like to think he and Trannie are doing just that right now!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteNoone would ever deny the fact that our Ned was a wonderful, unusual, precious, loving, smiling, warm, friend , brother-in-law and one loved by all!! I appreciate you sharing the pictures and your bog with me and I will forward to all that I have an e-mail address.
I love you and all your family and missed seeing you in Beaufort, but I am looking forward to Cindy and her family being here really soon!!
I love you and pray that you will be safe throughout 2009. Auntie Hazel