My Father

My father embraced and lived by the following poem, often attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson. He was a role model to almost everyone who ever met him. He was deeply loved by his family and will be missed by us every single day.

Whether this poem was really written by Emerson or not is of no consequence. . . . My father was a success in every way possible.

To Have Succeeded

To laugh often and love much:

To win respect of intelligent people

And the affection of children;

To earn the approbation of honest critics

And endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty;

To find the best in others;

To give one's self;

To leave the world a little better,

Whether by a healthy child,

A garden patch,

Or redeemed social condition;

To have played and laughed with enthusiasm

And sung with exultation;

To know even one life has breathed easier

Because you have lived . . .

This is to have succeeded.