The Measure of a Man

I was, sadly, at a memorial service yesterday for the younger brother of one of my oldest friends. Jeff Vanstone passed away far too young at 47. I've known his sister, Suzanne, since high school.

Suzanne wrote a poem in honor of her brother for the service, and she's kindly given me permission to print it here.

The Measure of a Man

The measure of a man is not only what he achieves in his life
but how he achieves it.
The measure of a man is not only who he loves,
but who loves him.
The measure of a man is not only how he greets family,
but how he greets strangers.
The measure of a man is not only his gentleness
in dealing with his friends,
but his strength in dealing with his enemies.
The measure of a man is not only his joy in living life,
but his bravery in facing death.
My brother Jeffrey was a man who measured up -- a true man.

-- Suzanne Vanstone

If you'd like to use this yourself, or quote part of it, please email me at maggiejmoore@yahoo.com and I'll ask Suzanne for permission.