How does one sum up the measure of a man?
He cannot be measured by the material and worldly things he possessed, but by how he gave of himself, of his possessions so that others could benefit. For the things we posses in life we can not take with us, we are meant to share with others and let no one go without.
How does one sum up the measure of a man?
He cannot be measured by the dwelling in which he lived, but by how he made it a home – one that welcomed in all who would come seeking shelter, a warm meal, a place to seek refuge from the stressors of everyday life, a place to share a few good words amongst each other in peace. For we all know that home is where the heart is, cliché but true. We are meant to offer to others, in times of joy and thanksgiving as well as in times of despair, a place to gather and celebrate; a place to rest and seek protection – from the elements of weather, from distress, and from conflicts in life that we choose to leave at the door.
How does one sum up the measure of a man?
He cannot be measured by the riches he has acquired, but by how he chose to give unto others, to give even when what he had himself at times seemed to cover the bare necessities in life. For the riches we acquire in life such as money and assets, do not fill our hearts and souls. It is merely a result of hard work paid off. The true riches one has…is measured in love…in family that surrounds us…and in fulfillment of one’s life-work, dreams, and passions. Riches are within our hearts, they are intangible and priceless. It is the giving to others so that they may have it a little easier that measures a man’s willingness to think not of himself, but to think of others instead.
How does one sum up the measure of a man?
He cannot be measured by the amount of people that he surrounds himself with, but by the genuine relationships (of those people) born out of sincerity, friendship, and respect for one another. For if we invite into our lives people who have only our best of intentions at heart, surround ourselves with people who guide us to do right by one another, people who provide us with love, compassion, friendship, respect and support UNCONDITIONALLY, we can accomplish anything set before us.
How does one sum up the measure of a man?
Finally, he cannot be measured by words alone, but by the HONESTY, INTEGRITY, and RESPECT with which he speaks them. For words are meaningless without truth, without heartfelt sincerity, and without careful thought spoken behind them. Words at times are our easy way out in dealing with conflicts in our lives. They can be painful, hurtful, and forever damaging when we don’t value the effect they can have on one another. The good news is this: words can also be healing when there is no hope of reconciliation; words can be spoken softly to sooth a broken heart; words can be life changing when it seemed impossible to come up with answers that would help you out in times of despair. Our “word” stands for who we are as human beings and it is backed by what makes us who we are. Most importantly, words can be very FORGIVING. Be genuine in your thoughts, be honest in your speech, speak for others who can’t or won’t.
Through these thoughts, embedded in every word, is the fiber of who Uncle Stevie was. He was kind, loveable, quick-witted, and his strength was immeasurable. His heart was pure. He cared not about what a persons faults were, he held no grudges, and he had absolutely no bad feelings within him. During a recent conversation, when faced with his own personal times of struggle, Uncle Stevie offered a few words of wisdom about how he was able to carry on in such a way despite what life had handed him. When asked about things that may have bothered him over the years, in his laid back play on words with that casual drawl, he replied, “Nah, I don’t hold onto bad feelings, no grudges or the like – Life is too short to be carrying around with you that which causes only pain and regret. It’ll take years off of your life. It is NO GOOD, so I don’t worry about it Kid!”
We share this with you because if we are to learn from one another, from Uncle Stevie and how he lived, as we have been blessed to do these past years, we can see that he lived vicariously through the power of good thoughts, a positive outlook, and all that surrounded him and filled his life! We have learned a lifetime of lessons in such a short time from him and we are forever grateful to have been witness to such humbleness. It is easy to love someone when they make it especially easy for you. But it is during those times – when we QUESTION each other’s motives and intentions; when we are DISTRACTED by what amounts to trivial worries; when we allow DOUBT to close our hearts to what is right in front of us, that we miss something very special.
Uncle Stevie loved with every fiber of his being. He smiled and laughed at the joys in his life and laughed at himself too! It was a good day when any answer to your question was followed by that sly, cheeky smile and Uncle Stevie singing a line or two from a song! His charming and flirtatious sense of humor was youthful and captivating. And when presented with the fight for his life, he was no different. He only smiled again and said “It’s not so bad, I’ll be alright Kid.” and another song would be sung.
Life indeed IS short, he was right about that, yet Uncle Stevie lived his life fully without the burdens of regret. No hard feelings, just a handshake and a smile. Our hearts ARE heavy today. As we leave this place, be reminded of all that Uncle Stevie stood for. Follow the wisdom and the model of kindness that Uncle Stevie has set as an example for us to do unto others. Show compassion and strength to others even when you yourself are hurting and weak. Reach out and offer guidance even when you yourself can’t see the way. ALWAYS take the opportunity to BEGIN AGAIN! Renew your hopes, make room for FORGIVENESS.
Uncle Stevie loved you all and enjoyed all that you have given him. He often talked of his pride for his family and all they have achieved and will continue to succeed in. He treasured his time with his children and grandchildren, talking with such animation as if he was back in the moment of a memory…football games…the smell of a newborn baby and how he loved them so…cooking and eating at family gatherings – a COMMON Simon family trait – or…just reminiscing of his days on the job. He was a very proud, proud man.
He was a shining light in what can be at times a dark and uncertain world – to have a heart such as his or to have been touched by it was a blessing we can be extremely thankful for. He would want us to live to the fullest, smile and laugh often, and love each other UNCONDITIONALLY – because at the end of the day nothing is more important then our families and how we decide to honor one another.
We will leave you with these words that capture the essence of Uncle Stevie as he lived his life:
A good man gives the best of himself even during the most trying times of his life; even when he's suffering and struggling with the issues of life. A good man brings forth good things from the good treasure of his heart, regardless of the situation. They call on us to open our eyes to the realization that true men of stature are strong enough in mind and spirit, and secure enough in themselves, to be compassionate and considerate of others even in the midst of confusion and crisis…to admit and amend their own faults as well as forgive others; to repay evil with good; …to be angry and yet sin not; to dialog rather than dictate; to be deep enough to delight in diversity and enlightened enough to live and let live. – Richard Jones
And finally,
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – “Strength to Love” Speech (1963) Martin Luther King, Jr.
Susan and Timothy Simon
April 24, 2008
Eulogy for “Unc”, “Uncle Boch”, “Uncle Stevie Simon”
