I think that's the key to it all...The fact that whatever I do will be enough. I won't be graded on my writing or performance and I believe no one there will take me to task over my eulogy. The main focus is that my family feels we sent him on his way respectfully and with honour. I like your point about the facts and dates thing...That's what I was thinking last night; Just say the words.
I have not written a word however by the end of today I will have many words written and I believe they will pain the picture and do my dad some justice.
Thanks for your kind words and sharing your own experiences. Many people go through this and sharing our experience with others is valuable and welcome, so thank you.
My pleasure. I'm one of many, it sounds like, which I think is good.
It seems when we get to a certain age, these kinds of experience become more and more commonplace until it's our turn.
In my case, I knew my Dad wanted to get up and say some words, and he ended up taking the better part of an hour free styling it while I took about 10 minutes for her eulogy, something that I couldn't write until a couple of days before because of what you were describing with emotions and memories, then ended up revising it somewhat again the night before her funeral.
In the end, there was no way to convey more than I did, and I still learned more about her by sitting back down and listening to my Dad. :)