FUNERAL READING

​Lori M Canady - April 16th 1952 – March 19th 2009

Before I begin, I would like to challenge each of you to look around and find someone in the crowd today, that Lori Canady has not touched. Try to find someone that is not a better person, or in a better place in their lives for having known her. Hard to do isn’t it?

Reading this will be tough; and I ask that you bear with me.  The fact that I, like you, am hurting in the worst possible way, reminds me that I am capable of the greatest possible emotion… love.  Without this pain, we would be unable to measure the joy, the happiness, and the love that we give and take in this incredible journey of life.

I’d like to suggest that each of us look inward, and understand that we feel this pain only as a reminder of our incredible capability to love.

Ok, here we go... I am “Ready”

On the day that my Mom walked me to the bus for kindergarten, I could read a newspaper and I could write poetry. I could tie my shoes, and knew that every step shaped what I would become. I had also been taught that as long as I was willing to reach for it, there was nothing that I couldn’t achieve.

She leaned down, kissed my face, and told me I was ready.

When I left for the Army, shaking hands and weak knees not knowing what was coming, she took my hands, kissed me on the forehead, and told me I was ready.

My marriage, kids of my own, jobs, adventures, in all of these moments of uncertainty; I was reminded that I was ready.  It was important to my Mom that her children be equipped to leave a mark in this life. It was important to her that those around her knew that if nothing else, she cared for them, and loved them with all that she was.

On her way through this life, in business, and with her family, she always elevated others first.  She told me and my little sister to try hard, and then showed us how to try harder  She told me and my little sister to live strong, and then showed us how to live stronger.

Six weeks ago as I was preparing to leave for business overseas, I spoke with my Mom. We talked about our memories, and about life. This time though, it was different, with both of us uncertain about what was happening, both of us not wanting to say goodbye, and both of us realizing that this would be the last time that our eyes would meet.  I did the only thing that I knew would bring comfort. I leaned down, I kissed her face, and told my Mom that she was ready.

My Mom is the strongest person I have ever known. I love you Mom

​Finally, as my Mom would say, “Celebrate the living”  …and to the living…  Marc Canady, you are an incredible and amazing man. I look up to you in every regard. You are the embodiment of what a man becomes when he makes the promise, “For better or for worse”. You have set the bar for me, my children, and their children to come.

​I love you Marc, and thank you for being the man that you are.