Who Will Cry When You Die
Today I attended a funeral for an eighty-year old friend of mine. I met Jake about ten years ago when my boyfriend was living in New Jersey. My boyfriend has a band called the eMKayS and they perform in local pubs and events around NJ. Jake among many other things was a harmonica player and on occasion would stop in when the eMKayS were playing and pull out his harp and play along. He loved the blues and the place would come alive when he played. Jake was born in Hungary in 1936 and survived the turbulent times during the war. He came to this country as a young child and lived his whole life in NJ. He joined the US Air force from 1955 - 1963 and later embarked in a career in pharmaceuticals. He did volunteer work for Meals on Wheels and for local food pantries.
Jake was married to his bride for 66 years and whenever I saw him he always talked about her with loving words. When I saw them together it was evident of their love for each other. He is survived by his wife, three children, seven grandchildren and five great grand children.
Although I was not a part of his family he made me feel loved and important whenever I was with him. In some ways he was somewhat like a father to many who knew him. When I arrived at the services the line was out the door to pay our respects and I totally understood why. As I stood in line I heard friends, neighbors, church members, and his family members talk about the special man he was to all who knew him, and as they spoke they cried. He was a living example of person who lived in service to others and who did it with a loving heart. As I sat and listened to his family give their eulogies it made me reflect on my own life and think how I can perhaps be a little more like my friend Jake. He
had so many people crying at his funeral, but he made as many smile and feel loved while he was alive. And so it goes - You can't have one without the other.
Jake you will missed by me and all who knew you!💗
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