This post will mean something only to one person, my good friend who is an occasional reader. That is fine; it’s written entirely for him and his family.
My friend, I was so very sorry to learn of your father’s death. Though his illness may have enabled you and your family prepare to some extent, I can only imagine the shock and trauma you must feel. However you feel, whatever you feel, it’s OK; this experience is yours to deal with in the way that is most appropriate for you.
That having been said, I hope you know that I am available to you for support, for conversation, for a shoulder to cry on, or for whatever else you and your family may need. I’m a phone all or text message or email away.
And though I’m not close by, if you need something, I can be there in a matter of hours.
Your dad had an incredible sense of humor. The little time I spent in his presence proved that; he was a man of mischief and laughter, a man who could teach the world a thing or two about how and when to laugh, and laugh loud! The closeness between you and your dad and the rest of your family was so obvious, so enlivening, that it felt good just being around you all! Sitting at the Saucer one day a year or two (or three?) ago with you and your dad and a couple of other folks, his humor was operating at full-tilt!
A photo you showed me long ago, and then later posted to your Facebook page, tells the story of your dad’s sense of humor better than I ever could. It’s a photo of a field of bluebonnets, with your dad “dancing” in the foreground and you and your brother, arms raised, in the background. There is no way I can see that picture and keep a straight face; I imagine it has launched a thousand laughs and a million smiles!
My friend, I mourn with you and your wife and the rest of your family, but I also share in celebrating the life of a supremely good, funny, and happy man who so obviously loved his family.
