Furby and I had a deal, that whoever survived would speak at the other's funeral. That duty - and honor - fell to me on Tuesday, way, way too soon.
"I'm up here today because of a conversation Furby and I had more than 20 years ago. It was one of those days when life seems to be treating you especially right, and we were counting our blessings just before going to see Ole Miss play L.S.U.
He talked about how he had already done things he never would have imagined when we were boys.
He had not only made it to college, but had worked hard to put himself through undergraduate school and then law school. What he didn’t say, but what I knew, was that he finished first in his class in law school.
He had worked his way into a practice that was taking him around the country to cities big and not so big. He and Beth had traveled overseas together, had a home to admire, a fine son and another one that was about two weeks away at that point.
We both figured that even if it all ended tomorrow for one of us, the other one should tell people that things had been pretty good.
And in the years since, we updated that account. Furby got to see those two boys grow into fine young men he was proud of. The family expanded to include a daughter-in-law he considered a daughter, then a granddaughter he loved to tell me about.
Something else he loved was coaching boys and girls in baseball and softball and soccer and trying to teach them that there was a way the game was supposed to be played, and a way it wasn’t. When it came to some things, Furby didn’t see a lot of gray.
It all ended too soon, of course, and things weren’t always good, just as they aren’t for any of us. But he touched a lot of lives before he left us, and I count mine as one of those near the top."
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Thanks Joe for everything, from the beginning to the end. I was so glad you spoke and wished you had said more. I know it was hard to do. I know he loved you and you had some great times together. He spoke of you often. We love you for it too.
ReplyDeletei wish i could have said more. i had the memories, but not the composure.
ReplyDeleteI remember well the first day I met Tommy. He was fresh out of law school; so fresh, indeed, I was his first client. He looked so young but at the same time exuded a confidence that quickly won me over. Since then Tommy represented me in many actions (and reactions), in each case to a successful conclusion. Along the way we became more than just lawyer and client, we became close friends. I will miss him.
ReplyDeleteDear Joe, hi there my name is Andrea Helm. I was Tommy's private secretary when he had the practice with John Lowe @ Lowe & Furby, circa 1982-1985. I just did a facebook search to see if Tommy was on that site, didn't find him there so I did a google search thinking I would at least find his law office address so I could send him a note to say hi.
ReplyDeleteImagine my shock to find your blog obituary. I am so sorry for your loss. Tommy was a great boss and a good friend. I am stunned and saddened to learn that he is no longer in the world.
Can you tell me what happened? If you don't want to talk about it, I certainly respect that. I would love to express my condolences to Beth as well. Please email me at hellsbelles@cox.net with any information you might feel moved to share.
Best of everything to you, Andrea