I will be here
Dang I wish I would have seen this earlier. I would have said…
Just read the “Sour Bees and Honey” thread you started about Bubba.
That’s straight comedy right there.
Hope it goes well for you.
I’m back, done. 235 guests in a fancy-schmancy hotel ballroom.
First they introduced family. Brothers, sisters, kids, etc. Then there were a couple of speakers giving tributes about her great professionalism and work ethic.
Then it was my turn. They had pictures of her from various stages of life scattered about on tables. I snatched a picture of her at about age four and took it up there with me, held it up and started off by saying: “Look at this picture of a sweet little girl. Can you believe this was the early stages of The Dragon Lady?” Then I just set in and ripped her good about funny, embarrassing incidents and dumb things she’d done over the past years. Twelve minutes worth. I really had ‘em rollin’!
The speaker after me was another co-worker, a black woman who introduced herself by saying: “I’m the sister they never talk about”. She cracked everybody up too.
Then they gave out some awards and presents.
The honoree had herself wheeled to the podium and was able to stand long enough to thank everybody and say she had a wonderful time.
She also said that she is “still going to beat this thing”. Maybe she has to believe that, I don’t know.
For the finale, one of our guys who’s a very good singer sang: “I Did It My Way”. And that was it.
So…All-in-all it was a positive experience for her and her family, which in the final analysis is all that matters. I know her well enough to be certain that she really did enjoy this affair.
Observations:
I think that something like this is not suitable for every situation. Everybody, and I mean everybody IRL that I discussed this with before hand was afraid it would be a disaster. It wasn’t, but a different personality being honored, different mix of people involved, and it could have been. Walk softly, if you or one of yours decides to start down this trail.
If I could have changed something, I wish they could have had a band afterward. I wanted to get her out on a dance floor even if I had to hold her up. Dance to, maybe, Trisha Yearwood’s version of “Lonesome Dove”. Just once more, I would have liked to see the dim lights of a dance hall reflected in her dark eyes.
Thanks for all the advice and support. If anybody’s got comments or questions, post 'em and I’ll answer the best I can.
I was just thinking, your friend’s daughter already made a video. A fundraiser has been mentioned.
Since so many people went to the party, she obviously has a lot of admirers. I think they’d like to have a copy of that video to remember her by.
Maybe you could buy VHS tapes in bulk, find a company do dub them at a discount and then sell the tapes for a minor profit. Then, use that profit to set up a scholarship (maybe for cancer survivors) in her honor, or donate it to Melanoma research.
Everyone would have something to remember her by and other’s would benefit from her legacy.
As for where to dub, you can check with local TV stations. They might do it. Mr. Congo’s former employer, a PBS station, had the capability to make 10 dubs at a time. Some local access stations can too. Or, maybe a communications class at a high school or college.
I’m glad the party was a success. I wouldn’t want one for myself because I don’t like to be the center of attention but I’d love to attend one - if the honoree was willing.
Man that is great…it sounds like it was a lot of fun for all and especially for your friend. You all have a woderful common experience that you can recall from now on. Maybe it’ll help your friend physically too. A little renewed energy, however long it lasts is a good thing.
My grandfather beat it for several years…he had the strength of three men when he was healthy and loved his family. It got him in the end but he fought the good fight. Very inspiring…
I feel like (I know I don’t know) but from what you’ve revealed thus far, it sounds like she is a real character and full of life and love. You are a lucky man having known her.
BTW…I agree with you regarding the fact that this wouldn’t be for everyone. It’d definitely have to be the individual’s decision.
Also, the dance does sound like it’d been a really nice way to end the ceremony. A chance for a bit of intimacy between friends. My prayers will include the “Dragon Lady” it sounds like she’s got some pretty good friends too. We should all be so blessed. 
Write if you like, my address is posted. Take care t/k
Thanks, guys. I think I’m winding down enough to turn in now. Take care.
I’m glad it worked out well, John.
And may I say what a good friend you are? This whole thing cost you in worry and thought, but you applied all that friendship when and how she needed it. She’ll remember and so will you, which was probably the important thing all along.
You are one hell of a good friend, John. You must be really special.
It’s not too late to dance with her. If you are up to it, burn some of her favorites, take a corsage, some balloons and dance with her wherever she is. If she’s confined to a chair, you can still move in time to the music.
Tell her not to buy any green bananas
Give it a miss and drink a bottle of Jack Daniels instead.
The dying have no claim on those still living - dead man’s hand and all that.
Tell the idiot twerp that you have much better things to do than to roast a corpse.
250 people.
Wow.
If she has you as a friend, John Carter of Mars that is good enough for me.
But 250…
She must be one hell of a lady.
Yes. I’ve been trying to impress that fact upon you for years now, but my every flirtatious advance to you is rejected. With a haughty toss of your nose and an icy glare, you remind me that as an underling, I must be satisfied with my lot and admire you from afar.
On another note, I’ll be passing through Nashville Friday on my way to Knoxville, there to watch our Auburn Tigers put a whuppin’ on the Vols.
She is very well known, liked, and respected in her field. Guests came from as far away as Maryland, Illinois, Texas and all points between.
I have read your insulting comments on this board one too many times. This is totally inapropriate. You have no business commenting at all in this thread if you feel this way. John was asking a sincere question regarding a loved one. Calling his friend an idiot twerp is unacceptable and disrespectful. You should be ashamed of yourself.
This is blatantly offensive. It’s inappropriate to the forum and to the discussion. The thread offered no provocaction thus your nastiness is utterly gratuitious.
You’re behaving like a jerk, Sisyphus, and that’s putting it mildly.
Consider this a dead serious warning. Either clean up your act, immediately and for good, or we will dispense with your company.
TVeblen
IMHO mod
Bad behavior here, which we have counseled you about several times.
Your choice to be uncivil.
Our choice to do something about it.
Goodbye.
your humble TubaDiva
Administrator
Thanks, ladies.
Glad everything went well, John.
John Carter of Mars you did real good dood.
Thanks, Mod & Admin, for doing your part. And thanks to this here doper community, which helped me get past a tough bump in the road. This place is the best.
John…keep your head up and take that lady out on a date ASAP…maybe a couple of friends and y’all to dinner, music and maybe even a dance or two. While ya can, you know. I don’t how quick this thing is gonna happen. I wish …well you know what I mean bud.
Take advantage of every chance you get. But of course you don’t want to come on too strong either. Hell, you’ll figure it out. I was just saying is all, take care t/k.
and yeah…we got a pretty good staff here don’t we?
Thanks guys
they gave s4b plenty of warnings, some folks just don’t get it
Hey, John, I’m really glad it went well. I’ve spoken at a couple of funerals and cracked a joke or two. Both the ladies would have laughed themselves and the other people in attendance knew me well enough to expect it.
I love the idea of having a send-off. I’ve got part of my own funeral planned and it’s going to open with “Spirit In The Sky”, cranked as loud as the church PA can go. If I can go the video route, I will! I think it would be even better to actually be there. I’ve got just the right sense of humour for this kind of thing.
Strange things happen, you know? Maybe The Dragon Lady will be around for a long time. I love the idea of you taking her dancing, even if it’s in her home, while she’s in her chair. Go for it!