This has been one of those weeks -- busy-ness without much accomplishment. The high point of our week was a funeral. It was a truly uplifting experience and I'm glad we could be there.
Ralph Amato was the uncle of our son-in-law, Tim. Toward the end of his life he was the custodian at a school. I didn't have the privilege of knowing him well, but he was always a very sweet and friendly man. He was the sort of person you couldn't help liking.
The priest who officiated obviously knew and liked him as well. He talked about his patience with the children (who aren't always easy to work with) and the fact that he had a "simple heart". He didn't leave a large house or a fancy car or a lot of fancy electronic equipment or a big stock portfolio. He wasn't accorded great honors. He didn't wield power in business or politics. His wealth was in being loved -- and in being missed. Marty (Tim's mom) said his death leaves a hole in her heart. Her husband, Gary, just said "He was a really good guy." I got the impression that a lot of people felt that way about him.
His life should be a reminder to us all that success can best be measured by how much you enrich the lives of other people. I hope that I can remember that lesson.
During the service the priest said that he is now the custodian at a school for cherubim. Seems like a fitting reward for someone who was a good guy.
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