Her Father's Funeral

Cancer is a viscous glutton. He died not long after its discovery. His only child was left behind…..shattered. The funeral chapel overflowed. Neighbors, coworkers, and relatives in dazed silence sat. I had known him only through his daughter. She had told me of his love for her. It was also rumored that he was ornery, even mean. The daughter did mention his cantankerous side. People tend not to speak ill of the dead. He was remembered as the man who plowed snow out of driveways. Another time, he rounded up stray cattle for a neighbor. Most of all, everyone will recall his daughter’s trip to the podium. She spoke of his loving final words, and terrifying final breath. I have never seen three hundred people crying until that day. Later, she told me in denial, that he looked like he was only sleeping. I hope someone is as devoted to me, as she was to this man. Because someday, death will decide to return me to his eternal land.