Volume XXIV, Number 2 (Issue 1163) January 12, 2026
“That Would Be Enough”
Several years ago, I was asked to deliver the eulogy for a dear friend’s father. It was an unexpected honor that I readily accepted. I characterize it as unexpected because while I had known my friend’s father for many years, I cannot say we were fast friends. We were, after all, of different generations. Furthermore, most of our conversations had centered around business-related topics and the early days of his career with the occasional family anecdote interspersed. The invite was also unexpected because I did not live or grow up in their community or circle of friends. Rather, his son and I had become good friends through a long association that began as a business relationship. Thus, while I knew of George’s successful career, knew his immediate family, his values, and commitment to all of the above based upon our conversations and what I observed, I cannot say I was the obvious choice to deliver such a significant message. Still, I was asked and I gladly accepted; thus, I went about preparing a set of remarks.
Before I continue down this road, it is helpful to know one of my favorite films is “A Knight’s Tale” starring Heath Ledger [Columbia Pictures, 2001]. In this dramedy based loosely on the first chapter of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, we find our characters living in medieval times – an era characterized in part by fiefdoms, knights, chivalry, and a strict class system. Our hero, a peasant, William Thatcher (played by Ledger) is a squire who aspires to be a knight. Presented with the opportunity to pose as one, he gradually learns the craft, enabling him to win fame, fortune, and the love of his life. But when his humble origins are discovered and disclosed to the authorities by his nemesis, Count Adhemar, played by Rufus Sewell, he is arrested.
William is then placed in the pillory where a hostile crowd assaults him and the troupe of friends who are desperately attempting to protect him. Suddenly, appearing from among the crowd is Edward, the Black Prince, and heir to the English throne. Because William had at one time befriended the
prince, he repays the favor by ordering William’s immediate release. As he does so, he states, “Your men love you. If I knew nothing else about you, that would be enough. But you also tilt when you should withdraw… and that is knightly, too.” The Black Prince then knights William where upon Sir William returns to the tournament to defeat his archrival, win the day, the crowd, and the fair maiden.
If you picked up on the phrasing of today’s title and the Black Prince’s characterization of William, you will easily appreciate the theme I adopted for George’s eulogy.
When you reflect on it, we can tell a lot about others from their decisions, their behaviors, the lives they touch, and the legacy they leave behind. It is what we call character. In the same vein, others learn much about us based upon what we say, do, and how we choose to live our lives. So, let me ask you, what will others think and say about you when your time comes? More to the point, how are others apt to portray us today?
Soli Deo Gloria
“You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Matthew 7:16-17
J. Keith Hughey
Mobile: (210) 260-0955
E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
Website: www.jkeithhughey.com
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Copyright 2026 by J. Keith Hughey. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted for reproduction and redistribution of this essay as provided under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Recent issues of Musings may be found at www.jkeithhughey.com. Your comments are both welcomed and encouraged.