What I wrote for the Pastor to read at Rex's Funeral

We have no idea how Mom got three preschoolers to go to sleep in that tiny shared bedroom every night, but it was a tremendous feat. She has not passed that particular talent down to her daughters. We do remember one night, though, when she had to pull out the big threat:

“If I hear one more peep out of you kids, you’re getting a spanking!”

And, well, you know, he just had to do it. Just had to. Rex waited until she almost had the door closed behind her. And he did it. He said……..“Peep”.

Mom stormed in there with her spanking hand drawn. She flipped back his blanket and tried to give him some sort of a swat. But we all were laughing so hard by then that I doubt he felt a thing. And Mom was laughing the hardest. But who could blame her? I mean, after all, it was Rex…..and how can anyone stay mad at Rex?

Generous, funny, big-dreaming Rex whose greatest joy was to see the underdog land on top, to see you reach your goal, to cheer for you and push you and nag and bully you until he could finally congratulate you for your success.

Sure, we would like to kick Rex in the shin and say, “Ya big dumb goof!” They tell us that anger is a normal step of grief. And they’re probably right. But it won’t last long. I mean, after all, it’s Rex…..and how can anyone stay mad at Rex?