Eulogy to My Dad

When the Rabbi asked if anyone would like to speak at today's service, I wasn't sure if I would have the courage to do so. I knew that I wanted to speak, but I almost kept silent because I was afraid that I might not be able to hold it together. Well, I'm Lenny Moscovitz's daughter and with that title comes a world of life lessons. One of those lessons is to live life to the fullest, and to the best of your ability, have no regrets. So, here I am.

There were so many life lessons to be learned by my dad. You had to pay attention, though. He wasn't going to teach them to you through traditional wisdom. You kind of just had to absorb them day by day. If you wanted a boat and couldn't afford one, you built one yourself. A smile and a charming laugh would attract people to you like magnets. Never be afraid of new technology - an upside down television picture was nothing more than opportunity and a trip to Radio Shack in disguise. And you don't need to be the father of the year to be an amazing father - you just have to love with all your being. The lesson that I will treasure the most however, is the lesson of sharing your heart with others.

For as far back as I can remember, Dad was volunteering somewhere. When we were young, I don't think that we thought much of it. It wasn't until later in life that we learned that his example would lead us to lives filled with great joy and fulfillment. His volunteerism came straight from the heart. He showed us how it felt to give of yourself unconditionally. It takes a special person to deliver meals to the homebound sick and elderly. It takes an exceptional person to sit with people in their final stages of life and provide comfort and companionship to them. Dad's last chapter of Takun Olam, healing the world, was at Bo's Place. Providing hope to grieving families is a passion that we shared. I'm really going to miss our phone calls where we caught each other up on the happenings at Bo's Place and Tomorrow's Rainbow.

I'm so blessed that during one of his Florida visits, Dad was able to co-facilitate a child's bereavement group with me. At one point, I looked over and a little boy was showing him how to muck a horse stall. They both took this responsibility very seriously as they became friends. The little boy learned quickly that Dad was a person that he could trust and that truly cared. The boy took Dad under his wing and taught him everything that he knew about horses. The two became great buddies that day - I gained a memory that I will cherish forever.

Over the holidays, Dad showed me a memorial bracelet that one of the men in his group had given him. I believe that the gentlemen's son had died serving our country. Dad was so proud of that bracelet. He was so touched that someone cared that much that they would share such a heartfelt gift with him. I'm not sure that Dad ever really understood the impact of his generous heart and the legacy that he leaves behind through his children and grandchildren.

Dad, if angel wings are earned while you're here on earth, then you must have yourself one of the biggest sets an angel can get... Although, I'm pretty sure that by now, you've already got them souped up with a motor, T-tops, and WiFi.

My dad taught us that you don't have to color inside the lines to be a great artist.

My dad taught us that you don't have to be a scholar to be a great teacher.

My dad taught us that you don't have to be the perfect parent to be an exceptional parent.

And my dad taught us that there are children and then there's Lenny Moscovitz's children. To be Lenny Moscovitz's child is truly a blessing.