Saturday was the day of Dad's cremation. There were last prayers and plenty of food and even more people to share their love and respect. I was asked to lead the funeral procession holding his framed photo that had been on display at the temple, and together, we all walked over to deliver Dad to where his body would be burned next door.
First, we opened the box for one last goodbye. This was my biggest challenge yet, but it is the tradition and my Dad taught me to be strong,so I did it. For stepping up, I was given the honor of placing some special items in the box with Dad including his nicest golf clothes and hat so he's ready for the course, his 40 year-old wooden hair brush because "they don't make them like they used to" and a little gold notebook in which I had written all of the lessons I've learned from him over the years such as Power Through It, You Never Quit When It's For Real, and Always Be Happy But Never Be Satisfied. After, we went back to the house where the monks joined us in prayer and blessed each room and our guests. The loud noise in the video is fireworks going off outside as part of the ceremony.
What a beautiful send-off. First, thanks to my Dad's wife, Natthip, and all of her wonderful friends and family for tirelessly working to tend to every little detail. Special thanks to my Dad's best friends for taking me under their wings to ensure that I'm never without counsel. To his team (our family too!), I hope you know Dad lives on in all of you now. If you ever need, just ask what would Neil do, and he will be there for you always. Thanks to all who were here and for the countless hugs and kind words and stories about my Dad. It's like reading your favorite book again and finding new chapters have been added. And to those of you who have provided so much love and support from afar, I want you to know how grateful I am, and hope I've made you feel included in this adventure too because you ARE indeed with us, and Dad knows!
Sometimes, the hardest moments of our lives teach us to dig deep and see what we are made of. Be your best self because there are no dress rehearsals. Now, I know I am more like my Dad than ever, and can do anything to which I set my intentions. I need only to "get my mind right" first, as Dad always said. ❤️
