In the chapter where she discusses her parents end of life wishes and their funerals, she mentions how her daughter, Carrie Fisher, wrote a touching tribute to her grandfather (Debbie's father). As Ms. Reynolds says, "When Daddy died, Carrie wrote a tribute to him that captured so many of his wonderful qualities."
Recipe for Ray (by Carrie Fisher)
(Printed in "Unsinkable: A Memoir" pages 111-112 by Debbie Reynolds)
"take one small stubborn Texan
preferably lean
ad a big busted gal from
therabouts
that answers to Maxene
fold in some railroad work,
a depression
two kids and a move to LA
beat in a bunch of baseball
(and) you've begun your recipe
for Ray
take your small stubborn
Texan
and gently remove all his
hair
build him a shop
outsdie any house he's got
and stik a radio there
sift in some well chosen
words
a kind heart beneath
leathery skin
stir in some peanuts and
coke
a tndency to smoke
sprinkle in dome "Dear Lord"
Help us jump in."
[Daddy's version of Grace]
add a dash of the sweetest
smile
some Palm Springs and a
little Ouray
fold in a favorite chair
the funny walk that gets him there
add "and the farmer hauled
another load of
hay" [Daddy's phrase for B.S.]:
This recipe for Ray
can be cooked up anytime
it simmers in our hearts
it fills us up real fine."
We thought this idea of a "recipe" made the eulogy a simple and fun way to include all of a friend's or loved one's cherished qualities in an easy to read format.
Have you ever been asked to write or have you written a eulogy?
What helpful tips can you share?
