A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO MY SON

JEREMIAH LYMAN TENNYSON

Jeremiah's Eulogy
As delivered by his Dad, Don Hull

I had intended to talk to you today about the hard life that Jeremiah had to live. I thought that you all new most of the good things that happened to him because most of you made it happen. But because Jeremiah was a blessing on my life, I wanted you all to know all about him in order to truly appreciate him. But that's not right thing to do.

We come here today to honor Jeremiah; to celebrate his life; to share in the wonderful memories we all have of him. So let me take a moment to tell you about some of the lasting memories I have of him.

I remember the first moment that I saw him. I remember the little boy who wore these shoes.

The foster family agency was a two story building and the second floor was had an exterior balcony to go from office to office. As I got to the top of the stairs, I saw this little figure of boy, so skinny and small. As I walked to the other end of the building to go inside, he followed me, keeping pace, never taking his eyes off of me. Then as I opened the door to enter, he said to me, "Are you my new dad?". That was the beginning of a loving relationship.

I remember the little boy who I would call out to, Super Boy. He would turn towards me, run down the hall, and at the last second would jump into my arms.

I remember the little boy who would come out to the patio on a weekend morning, while I was having coffee, and crawl up into my lap. We would just snuggle and talk about the day ahead.

I can remember the little boy who would come into the living room at the end of a day and would snuggle up next to me on the couch. I'd say, "Jeremiah, I love you" and he'd say "I love you for infinity".

I remember the little boy who loved playing baseball and soccer. I can remember him wearing these shoes and as he would run down the soccer field, his long hear would fly back as he would run hard to attack the ball.

I remember the little boy who loved to wear my old flight boots and would eventually outgrow these, because he became a man.

When Jeremiah was born prematurely, he weighting a scant 2 pounds and 14 ounces; just a handful of love. But immediately, the Lord gave him his first task and he lived. I believe that the Lord put Jeremiah on this earth for a purpose. And after the Lord tested and tempered the boy, when the Lord was finished with his work, He took the man.

There is probably enough guilt and grief in this room to fill a church. Mike and Lease, our prayers are with you both but let us ALL give thanks to the both of you, for giving us Jeremiah, for giving us our time with him.

Thank you Barbara. Jeremiah thought you were very special and you were his special friend. Thank you for being there for him; thank you for comforting him.

Thank you Mom for being there and for your unconditional love for him. You were always there for him and he knew that. When asked how Grams and I were able to put up some of his challenging moments, just remember that if you loved him, he returned the love 10 fold.

And to Jeremiah, you were the light of my life; and you gave me purpose for living. The hurt is deep but the love and memories are eternal and Jeremiah, I'll love you for infinity.

Let us remember what a loving and confident child and man he was. He was always so confident and would often walk up to a group of strangers and act as if they'd been waiting for him all along. "Thanks for waiting, guys, let's play now".

(The words from the song "I Believe I Can Fly" from the movie "Space Jam" were read by Don)

If Jeremiah could see it, then he could do it.
If you could just believe it, there's nothing to it.

I believe you can fly. I believe you can touch the sky.

I think about it every night and day.
Spread your wings and fly away.

I believe you can soar.
I see you running through that open door.

I believe you can fly.
I believe you can fly.
I believe you can fly.

Jeremiah, I love you for infinity.

(The song "I Believe I Can Fly" was played here. Then Bishop Sam Scheibler gave some closing remarks and the song "Tears in Heaven" were played to conclude the services.)