I can’t think of a more emotional weekend recently (other than that wedding thing).
Lynley and I flew to Holland, Michigan to visit my parents and then we all four to drive to South Bend, Indiana Saturday morning for a memorial service of a close family friend. Mr. Fannin was a coach, teacher and administrator at our grade school for 37 years and recently passed.
I was honored to be among the alumni asked to say a few words. The service was beautifully arranged and lasted about two hours. When we arrived, I immediately saw classmates I haven’t seen since the day we graduated 8th grade. The whole thing was very emotional and I didn’t know if I would get through my presentation. Thankfully, I wasn’t the first to speak and I was able to settle down. I cut about half my noted out because I sensed this could have gone on for hours and I didn’t want to be redundant. My style is to try to have a laugh or two, or three during a sad, emotional event and I’d like to think it went okay. I kicked things off by explaining that four Hammes kids went through Clark:
Geralyn Class of ’73
Sue Class of ’74
John Class of ’77
Jeff Class of ’84
As soon as I bellowed “Jeff, Class of ’84″… I mumbled… “Jeff wasn’t planned.”
Fortunately, this isn’t top secret family information and the crowd responded with nervous laughter.
Lynley, who sat with my parents to hear speaker after speaker after speaker eulogize a man she had never met, asked me if what everyone said was really true or was there a sense of embellishment in some of the tributes. Good question and I can see where she would skeptical that a teacher could truly have that kind of impact consistently through the generations. The answer: Yes, he was that great a teacher and person.
While driving back to Holland that afternoon, we stopped at one of my parent’s favorite “greasy spoons.” It’s called Cousins’ Restaurant in South Haven. It is a trip back in time and I mean that az a compliment.
Curtains in the window.
Waitresses with aprons.
In their front pockets, a little light green-colored pad that is labeled “CHECK” on the top.
They take the order and then clip it to a wire in front of the cook.
Only cash or personal check. No credit cards.
Great food.
We all chowed for under $30 dollars.
I half expected Richie, Potsie, Ralph and the Fonz to come through the door at any moment.
We spent Saturday night and Sunday afternoon with our toes in the sand or at the pool until we flew back last evening.
The best part of the whole thing was being able to share this experience with Lynley. While she didn’t know me growing up, it helps to give her perspective as to where/how I grew up and to have a better understanding of the influences on me that made me who I am today.
Now when she hears, “Mr. Fannin” in a conversation, she has a reference point.
The service was videotaped and I’m guessing that it will be posted online soon. For those Clarkies interested, when I find out, I’ll pass it along.
Back to the Monday grind of a running, then running errands.
Hope all had a good weekend.
Thanks Lynley for all your love and patience during ours.