His birthday is this week; and we were planning an event to celebrate him.
Our daughter Alli said she imagined it as a surprise party —and wanted to make sure that he would love everything about it.
A couple months have gone by; memories of his pain and suffering have faded. Still it can be a challenge to celebrate a life that’s ended—-especially when he asked only that any memorial to him be “smiles and laughs”. So we called it “Leave ’em laughing” and we wanted it to be fun.
You know how things never go as you expect—one reason I called my blog” I never signed up for this...”—because no matter how much you try to plan, things don’t work out the way you imagine.
But sometimes they do.
Sometimes they turn out even better than you imagine.
If the guest of honor had been at his celebration, first he would have seen posters– filled with hundreds of pictures from every phase of his life.
…mementoes from the certificate of his bris to his frat party pictures to his trips all over the world.
He would have seen a photo mosaic created from thousands of those pictures.
He would have seen his friends gathered in one room—from high school friends who came from Chicago ….to the doctor who delivered our first child….to the guy who did the remodel of his house a couple years ago.
He would have seen centerpieces on every table, reflecting his favorite things.
He would have seen his two children talk about him, capturing the essence of their dad with poise and humor.
He would have heard big laughs, from all the stories and some of his best punchlines.
He would have seen the brilliant video created by his best friend Larry—that made everyone cry—but not as much as it made them laugh.
He would have seen everyone play a special version of his favorite show, created by Larry and personalized for Howard—even with the voice of the real Jeopardy announcer.
Not every life had so much rich material to draw from ; but Howard was a colorful guy. One friend told us afterwards: “It’s hard to get the combination of laughs, tears, joy, sorrow and humor just right…but you did it.”
There couldn’t have been a better way this year to celebrate his birthday—and him.
It was a day filled with laughs—and love.
Alli had it exactly right–her dad would have treasured every person, and every minute. And no one would have laughed harder than Howard. I hope somehow he knows that he really did “Leave ’em laughing.”
AmyZ says
so beautiful. Your kids are very lucky to have two such wonderful role models.
Denise Fisher says
Thank mosaic is amazing, did you do that?
marlawentner says
I was looking forward to having you write about the celebration of Howard’s life and I wasn’t disappointed. What a wonderful gathering, and the Jeopardy game was especially great. He was lucky to have so many people who loved and cared for him. A life well lived. I feel like I knew him. Thanks, Darryle.
RON says
Darryle: Not only are you a fantastic mother and ex-wife but you are an incredibly gifted writer. As one of your long-time dedicated readers, I have discovered a recurrent theme in most every comment thread and that is that you make us feel not only like we know you and your family and friends but we all have come to LOVE you and your family and friends through your writing. In a world where impersonality and non-traditional social relations are the norm, you create and foster a warm fuzzy feeling in your writing and that is a true blessing. Finally, without getting too ethereal, I could not understand why I felt a real loss when I heard about Howard’s illness and passing and then I discovered in today’s blog that Howard and I were born under the same earth sign and that explains it for me. And…of course, your beautiful, soulful writing was the catalyst. My best to you, Alli & Daniel. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
Darryle Pollack says
Not sure if they think of us as role models —maybe more what NOT to do. Haha seriously I feel very lucky in all ways; hope they do too. thanks, Amy. xxxoo
Darryle Pollack says
Would love to take credit but I didn’t do it; and I didn’t even think of doing it.–Larry did. That mosaic is far beyond my capability; it’s one of those electronic ones made from thousands of photos; and truly it is amazing to see , especially up close.
Darryle Pollack says
Thanks so much Marla; that celebration was so magical, I felt it was pretty much impossible to translate the feelings into words. Pictures weren’t adequate either; mostly I wish I could have told some of the jokes or stories—it’s hard to transmit the laughs but I’m glad it got across the love.
You’re right that Howard really was lucky to have a group of people who really really cared about him; in the end that’s the most any of us can wish for.
Darryle Pollack says
-I’m so touched; I don’t know what I can possibly say to respond other than that your comment alone is a perfect answer to what I find in blogging. I could not ask for more—so thank you, thank you, thank you.
Vina says
This is the prefect post for me to find at this time