A Lesson From Larry

Many years ago, Larry and two women worked for a large corporation.  They were all married to their respective spouses, but they remained workplace friends.  Over the years, they changed employers and careers, and contact became infrequent.

One woman became divorced, and I was the lucky one who latched on to and married her.

The second woman also divorced, and Larry's wife passed on.  Years later, Larry and the second woman reconnected, dated, and became engaged.

A few years ago, I met Larry for the first time at the first ever, semi-annual dinner and catch-up session arranged by the women, and we continued to meet throughout the years.

I liked Larry a lot.  He was experienced, intelligent, and successful in the business world.  He had run his own consulting service, and had been CEO of a small business.  I found him serious and sometimes funny.

We all discussed business, a little politics, families, and any other issues that came up.  He was the only CEO I've ever known that was more interested in the opinions of the others at the table than in his own.  I know, it's hard to believe.  The man was a saint.

And then he died, quickly and unexpectedly.  At his funeral, there was no mention of his business success or that he was CEO of a profitable company.

Instead, his brother recounted their days together and how they never had a cross word for each other.  His long-time friend recounted their pranks together and Larry's irreverent sense of humor.

The sister of his fiancee recounted a driving trip throughout New England, where Larry drove the two sisters and their mother.  Never once did he complain or rush them as the three women stopped and shopped at every store along the road.  That's when I realized that Larry was a way better man than I.  I think I already told you the man was a saint.

And there were pictures of him dressed up silly with the kids, or at family occasions or ceremonies. The things that make a life memorable.  The laughter, the kindnesses, the love.

I once went to a funeral where no one in the family had any good thing to say about the deceased.  It was the saddest funeral I've ever attended.

I liked and respected Larry, but I really regret that I didn't get the chance to know him long enough and well enough to love and cherish him as his family and long-time friends did.  To watch the celebration of Larry's life was to watch the reward for a good man's life, well lived.

We all miss you, Larry.  You've set the mark for us all.