re: Signs of respect at funerals that you'll always remember

When my grandfather passed, one of his oldest friends (a poor black man everyone knew as old Sam) walked into the hall. Mr. Sam was dressed in a suit, something I hadn't seen.

Everyone looked at him, muttering. He was the only black person in attendance. He had known my grandfather since 1927 or 1928.

As he looked around deciding where to sit, he spotted me up front trying to get away from the assholes talking about him.

He walked up, shook my and my cousin's hand, and asked if we might walk outside with him. He tipped his head as he passed my grandfather's casket and smiled.

When we got outside, he pulled a bag of tobacco out of his suit, rolled four cigarettes just as quick as you please. Handed one to each of us, lit them. And held the other in his off hand.

He said, your grandfather was a great man. Hard in words. But the nicest person I have known. And he always did have a habit of doing things before I could.

He paid his respects. Put the other cigarette inside his breast pocket, and he left.

He died later that day.

I'll always remember that.

I can't imagine having a friend for over 80 years.