So Loni's Dad, who died last week, was the subject of yesterday -- first a Mass at St. Louis, and then a Celebration of Life at the UM Sports Hall of Fame. Wifey was surprised I was attending both -- but I cared greatly for Don and his family is very close, so for me it wasn't an issue.
Actually, the memorial started Monday evening. I had come from my annual physical with unexpected news: according to my doc, and the absurdly detailed blood and urine analyses they do at MDVIP, I am "his healthiest patient of my age in his practice." Strangely, every value wasn't only normal, it was "optimal." For example, my cholesterol is 110. My lung capacity if 115% of expected for my age -- but that's attributable to my profession -- lawyers are FULL of hot air.
Dr. Rigo just kept shaking his head at each number -- keep on doing what I'm doing, he said. I pointed to my ample belly, and asked how that was consistent with these findings. He said of course weight loss is a good idea, but my daily walks and twice weekly training sessions are doing the trick, he said.
Now I know a neoplasm can sprout like a mushroom after a rainy night, and something like 40% of heart attacks have as a first symptom sudden death, but for now, the news was wonderful. Since my liver numbers were also optimal, I thought it appropriate that I celebrate the news with a cocktail, but it was Monday, and I don't drink alone. Chris texted -- meet at Fox's at 545 -- his aunt Jeannine was in for Don's services. It was kismet, and I ubered over -- to meet Mike, Loni, Chris, Rachel, Jeannine and old friend Chris. We sat in the back room telling Don tales -- Loni really appreciated being around those who loved him.
Chris and Loni drove me home,and I brought them in to say hello to Wifey -- camped out on her recliner as I expected , and we chatted awhile.
Tuesday am I headed over to St. Louis. I had been there 3 times before: Mike and Loni's wedding, where I was Mike's co- best man, Amanda's baptism, and Chris's baptism. The service was moving -- the young priest, with long hair and a beard and blue eyes, looks like every Euro depiction of Jesus ever seen hanging on my Catholic friends' walls. He was great -- if the dude wasn't a priest, he'd get plenty of dates...
I sat next to Norman and I dared him to go up and take the communion wafer: "You KNOW you wonder how it tastes!" He declined my offer of Hebraic apostasy.
I came home, napped, and summoned Wifey to tell her it was time to come in and get ready. We headed over to UM. I had never been to the sports Hall of Fame, and it was quite impressive. They had set up a bar, and some food platters, and moved Don's stuff to the center stage. His son Greg, widow Marcia, Loni, and 2 old friends spoke. And I mean OLD! Holmes Braddock is 99, and Ed Rubinoff is in his 90s, too. Both shared tales of when they all met, in the 50s.
Marcia pointed out how her husband played such a violent game, and played it violently -- enough to make the College Hall of Fame, and be a Pro Bowl player with the Redskins. And after his career was over, he was THAT gentle, and loving, and caring -- always with a grandchild baby in his arms.
Loni said he taught her humility and resiliency. When I met him, in '83, I already knew who he was -- and as a rabid Canes fan, was a bit taken aback. Nah -- he wanted to know all about ME and my life -- and I was a garden variety law student then. I saw how he took care of his family -- MY kind of man.
It was a privilege to be able to honor him.
After, Wifey and I stopped for a late dinner -- at Guadalejara, a local Mexican place. We left after 8 -- making fun of ourselves -- usually 8 for me is pre-bed time.
So a great man has passed, and was honored appropriately. His cremains are in a Catholic cemetery next to ever more famous Jackie Gleason and Don Shula. Talk about an august resting place...
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