Post by MXB on Jun 24, 2007 6:12:18 GMT -5
This is being posted on behalf of Caroline Mason who does not have computer access right now. Many thanks for sharing this with us Caroline.
A friend who was there when Fili passed away, said that there was no fear, only peace. Over 225 people attended Jim Filiaggi's memorial service, which was a true testament to the man he really was.
EULOGY
Jim Filiaggi was amazing. Although he lived in conditions that would have broken most people, Jim continued to grow as a person. He became more of a son, more of a friend, and more of a Christian. He did not spend precious visits looking for sympathy or bad-mouthing those wo had been less than supportive. Instead, he was upbeat, optimistic and strong. With a great sense of humor and great charm, Jim continued to focus on the positive. He had accepted responsibility for his actions, never making excuses.
Jim Filiaggi learned many of life's lessons the hard way. Although he traveled the globe while serving our country, in the Army, put himself through college, graduated with honors and multiple degrees, secured himself a respectable job, and had two beautiful girls, the gretaest lessons learned were learned while spending time in a concrete cell. Unfortunately, these lessons came at a price... his life.
When you leave this service today you will be given a Lucky Bamboo plant. Lucly Bamboo is a tough and resilient plant that does not require much sunlight, but grows even more without light. It is very easy to take care of, alomost care free. This plant is so much like Jim. His earnest growth was not in the first half of his life, when life was so full of sun, but instead at the end of his life, when the sun was not there. Like the plant, Jim was not a high maintenance friend, he was content simply knowing that his family and friends were OK.
Lucky Bamboo is used to create environments where you feel safe and more energized to meet the demands of today's high pressured world. Please take this plant and keep it as a reminder to appreciate the little things in life....not to get so caught up in the business of life that you take the simple, truly important things for granted.
Attached to this plant you will find a memorial card, with some of these life lessons. Jim's hope is that these lessons will make your grass a little greener.
Life Lessons of Jim Filiaggi
May 15 1965 to April 24 2007
1. Be grateful for what you have.
2. Enjoy every day as if it's your last.
3. A father's love for his daughter is forever.
4. Sometimes it takes the worst to bring out the best in people.
5. Don't judge people or circumstances - things aren't always what they seem.
6. Sometimes you just can't come up with an answer to the question, "Why?"
7. One split second can change your life forever.
8. Take time to enjoy the simple things in life.
9. Faith trumps fear.
10. Take time to appreciate the feel of green grass on your feet.
A friend who was there when Fili passed away, said that there was no fear, only peace. Over 225 people attended Jim Filiaggi's memorial service, which was a true testament to the man he really was.
EULOGY
Jim Filiaggi was amazing. Although he lived in conditions that would have broken most people, Jim continued to grow as a person. He became more of a son, more of a friend, and more of a Christian. He did not spend precious visits looking for sympathy or bad-mouthing those wo had been less than supportive. Instead, he was upbeat, optimistic and strong. With a great sense of humor and great charm, Jim continued to focus on the positive. He had accepted responsibility for his actions, never making excuses.
Jim Filiaggi learned many of life's lessons the hard way. Although he traveled the globe while serving our country, in the Army, put himself through college, graduated with honors and multiple degrees, secured himself a respectable job, and had two beautiful girls, the gretaest lessons learned were learned while spending time in a concrete cell. Unfortunately, these lessons came at a price... his life.
When you leave this service today you will be given a Lucky Bamboo plant. Lucly Bamboo is a tough and resilient plant that does not require much sunlight, but grows even more without light. It is very easy to take care of, alomost care free. This plant is so much like Jim. His earnest growth was not in the first half of his life, when life was so full of sun, but instead at the end of his life, when the sun was not there. Like the plant, Jim was not a high maintenance friend, he was content simply knowing that his family and friends were OK.
Lucky Bamboo is used to create environments where you feel safe and more energized to meet the demands of today's high pressured world. Please take this plant and keep it as a reminder to appreciate the little things in life....not to get so caught up in the business of life that you take the simple, truly important things for granted.
Attached to this plant you will find a memorial card, with some of these life lessons. Jim's hope is that these lessons will make your grass a little greener.
Life Lessons of Jim Filiaggi
May 15 1965 to April 24 2007
1. Be grateful for what you have.
2. Enjoy every day as if it's your last.
3. A father's love for his daughter is forever.
4. Sometimes it takes the worst to bring out the best in people.
5. Don't judge people or circumstances - things aren't always what they seem.
6. Sometimes you just can't come up with an answer to the question, "Why?"
7. One split second can change your life forever.
8. Take time to enjoy the simple things in life.
9. Faith trumps fear.
10. Take time to appreciate the feel of green grass on your feet.
R.I.P Fili