THE EULOGY : We-Write Reboot - Round 2 - [PART 1] Prompt: where are you going?

"Settle down, good people. I'm Assistant Pastor Howard Gossep. We're here today to celebrate one of our long standing members in this great house of worship, Deacon Gready Wanntmore."

"The family implored me to speak today about my friend Gready. I was elated when asked that I tie his lifelong works to the message for today: "Where are you going?"

"First, I want to offer the family the Church's heartfelt condolences for their loss. We understand how it feels to lose one who has been such an amazing inspiration to our Church."

"I want to begin by acknowledging Deacon Wanntmore's standing as a pillar of this community, well respected, loving husband and father, and the best friend anyone could ask for."

Suddenly, Pastor Gossep blurted out a rumbling laugh, then started singing, "Papa was a rolling stone." Looking over the crowd, he stopped suddenly, then continued. "Well, congregation, Deracon Gready was a snowball. He rolled until he finally hit the brick wall near the gates of Huntsville."

"A Streetcar Named Desire is what comes to mind next," Pastor Gossep continued, "because everyone knows that Deacon Wanntmore was well liked in the community. Why, he rode car No. 5 many, many times during the past five years. Why I remember one day he called in sick just so that he could..." Clearing his throat after remembering this oath of silence, Pastor's voice trailed off while he glanced toward Mrs. Wanntmore.

Two rows behind the widow, Sister Ramona shook her head, then turned to her own sister and whispered, "now that's the Wanntmore I knew from No. 5 Blue Light District." "Girl hush," her sister retorted, smirking while barely able to contain herself. Then added, "the pot calling the kettle blue. How would Pastor Gossep know?" Both placed handkerchiefs over their mouths to contain themselves.

"It's better to give than to receive. Let's not forget Deacon Gready's dedication to helping the poor in our city. On many a cold, wintry night he would ring the bell standing for hours to help our less fortunate. Matters not that Gready's red can would be empty most nights when he settled up. It was his unwavering faith in the goodness of his fellow man to answer the call," the Pastor tearfully recounted.

Brother Simon mumbled under his breath to his wife, "Now we know who financed that new Benz." His wife frowned while giving him a gentle nudge.

Pastor Gossep was determined to continue, but by now the widow was sobbing uncontrollably. Several sisters rushed to her side with fans and a sip of water.

Desperate to finish, Pastor Gossep's voice carried over the congregation to the back of the Church, "Do you want to be like our good friend, Brother, and Deacon? If his legacy is be emulated by all who can hear my voice and witness my truths, we don't have to ask the question posed here today. We ALL know where Deacon Gready Wanntmore has gone. Can I get an AMEN?"

"Now, congregation, the question is, Where are You going?"