Day 27-Day 29, The measure of a man!

If a man is measured by the number of people at his funeral, then let's just say that Joseph Steele was a King!  On Friday, my husband and I attended a great man's funeral.  The decision to attend was not a light one.  It's no secret that funerals are not my thing.  The last two I can remember attending was a man who came to be known as my father and my grandmother's.  I hate saying goodbye and can count the number of funerals I've attended on one hand.  After much thought, I decided that this man deserved our respect and attendance.

I arrived to an unfamiliar scene.  There were hundreds of cars, what felt like thousands of people and a church so packed that whichever way I turned, I bumped into a familiar face.   There were young people, old people and everyone in between.  I feel weird even describing a funeral, but this one left me speechless.  My husband described it as better than any wedding he had ever attended.  Imagine that–a funeral that leaves you comparing it to a wedding–not just any wedding– a Royal wedding!

What made this funeral so special?  Although the dignified stainless steele casket, in which Mr. Steele was buried, was the talk of the funeral,–it was indeed just a small representation of his life.  The truth is that it really wasn't about the elegant casket and style of the funeral at all.  It was all about the effect that Joe Steele had on so many people's lives.  Normally when I attend a funeral, I find myself selfishly thinking--"okay, okay-that's enough speakers!"  Did I really just say that?  Well, this funeral was different!  With every person that spoke, I wanted to hear more.  How nice it was to hear that Mr. Steele had so many great friendships that almost all the people who spoke referred to him as their "best friend."  This was a testament to the kind of person Mr. Steele was...warm, caring and the type of person who made everyone feel that they were special.

I met Mr. Steele almost seven years ago.   My college roommate and Mr. Steele's son's wife have been best friends since childhood.  When we decided to move to Indiana, Lisa and Eric showed us around and helped us to quickly understand the area and settle into the neighborhood.  As a realtor, Mr. Steele was instrumental in pointing Eric to neighborhoods we should consider.  We ended up purchasing our home in the subdivision across from the Steeles.

Shortly after we moved to Indianapolis,  I  decided to have a party for my husband's birthday and hired his daughter Trelawnia(Loni), an amazing party planner, to plan the event!  I had experienced nothing but class with every member of the Steele family and knew that she would create an event that we would never forget!  She exceeded expectations, but one of the things I will never forget is coming downstairs to discover a full, warm crew of Trelawnia's team that was greeting guests, checking coats and just giving our friends the warm welcome they deserved.  As I met her team, who did I discover taking coats?  Mr. Steele!  I remember feeling uncomfortable that a man of his stature, his dignity, his distinction–was taking coats in my house....

My husband and I were not worthy.  I had even told my husband prior to the party that this was the type of man he should strive to be when he "grew up."  He agreed!  In fact, Mr. Steele reminds me of my husband.  Strong.  Confident.  A true leader.  A devoted Christian.  A loyal family man.  A hard worker.  An amazing father.  A good friend.  An unmatched sense of style... His daughter, Trelawnia, put it best– overall "Swagger!"

I remember thanking him for coming and expressing my sincerest thanks for helping out and also my feeling that we were not worthy.  With the warmest, most sincere smile, he said–"this is my daughter's event.  That's what we do!  I'm happy to be here."  With a flash of the Joe Steele smile, he made it all feel better and comfortable.  His humility was inspiring.  His life was inspiring.  For the first time ever, I left a funeral, feeling like I wanted to live a better life.  If I could pass away with half the dignity, grace and humility...I think that I will have lived a complete life.  To my friends, Lisa, Eric and Loni, your father was a wonderful man, but who am I kidding?  I'm sure you already know that–as his light shines in each of you!

What a weekend!  Stay tuned for Day 30!