I always saw my dad as a very smart, knowledgeable, and logical person who had the ability to make intelligent decisions that weren’t clouded by emotion. But he also was incredibly kind, generous and caring at the same time. It was a rare combination.
As my father, there were many ways that we were similar and many ways we weren’t. One of the ways we were similar was growing up we both used to occasionally make some… let’s call them “ill advised” decisions and eventually had to be told that it was time to grow up. And I think that may have always left a soft spot in my dad’s heart for me. And it may be because of that, he was always there to educate me, advise me, and support me with anything I needed. No matter what. He was my rock.
As my friend, we always shared a passion for the Eagles. And it often was a wild ride with high highs and low lows that were like a roller coaster that was always fun until we puked. But we didn’t care. As diehard fans, we loved it and always came back for more. But our friendship was more than just that. We could talk for hours about anything really. He loved to share his stories and I would share mine about work, finances, life, love, women… There was no subject that was off the table and no cellphone bill that was too high.
And then cancer came and took my father away from me much much too early. I do know that my father was proud of the man I am today, but it still makes me sad that he will never be able to see the man I will become. But life isn’t always fair. So I still consider myself lucky to have had a father and friend like my dad. And I’ll take quality over quantity any day.
And lucky as I have been to always have my dad there as an educator and confidant to guide and support me through all that life has thrown my way, it seems that even in death, my dad had one final lesson for me:
Life is short and you never know when your time will come. So make every day count.
Dad, I love you with all my heart and will never forget you.
Love always, your son and friend.