About a month ago A friend died . We had another friend that is a devout atheist . My friend died in the morning and I stayed with the family till the body was taken to the funeral home . I had already called a few out of town letting them know .
The mutual friend of the deceased and myself lived in town and shortly after noon leaving the facility I drove to his house to tell him in person as I prefer to do if possible . He saw me pull up in his drive and came out to my suv . I got out and explained the situation , I told him the arrangements for the service had been made at our friend's church .
He went straight into a rabid tirade with his opening line;
I know how I feel about that ! I'm not going to no church ! When we die we are just a piece of dead meat ! I ain't listening to no sermon !
He was going into a long drawn out speech I had heard too many times . I was leaning against the suv and held up both hands to him looking serious . I said ;
Don't shoot the messenger ! I just came to tell you ! I'm not trying to get you in a church and whether you go to the funeral or not is up to you ! I don't want to hear your excuse not to go . Many would go to show respect to the family if nothing else . That's your decision !
He chewed his tongue a second an calmed down . We talked a bit and I left .
He came to the service . He was nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs . He walked in and just sat down by me . He did not speak unless spoken to . When the service was over he left immediately .