Tributes and Memories

**Dear Ol' Man,**

 

I'm writing a few words to tell you some things I never felt I had to say, because to me, you were simply the best at everything.

You were the best father and the best husband I had ever seen. You were the best uncle to your nieces and nephews, the best friend to anyone who needed one, and one of the best men I've ever known. These are things I always felt in my heart, but I never spoke them out loud.

You were a wonderful provider, both financially and lovingly. The lessons you taught me helped shape my life and helped me become a good father to my Daughter And grandfather to Kash and a good friend to the people around me. Everything you taught me has stayed with me.

Growing up, I looked at you as my hero. Then Superman, Batman, and all the other superheroes came along, and for a while I wanted to grow up to be like them.

When I was about seventeen, I left home. I moved in with a roommate we all used to call "Tito." Today, The Big Man calls himself "Arny." As you know, he has been my best friend for most of my life. He's my brother. I know you always treated him like a son, which is why I asked him to read this letter for me today.

Getting back to what I was saying...

As I got older, I chased after the idea of becoming like those superheroes. After I left home, I would come back and visit you from time to time, but we never really had deep conversations. It was always, "Hey, how are you doing, Son?" "Doing good, Ol' Man."

We always made small talk.

But in my heart, I always knew you were the best. You gave your best to everyone around you. I never doubted for one second that you loved me with all your heart.

We just weren't the kind of father and son who talked much about feelings. We simply enjoyed being around each other. You would listen when I talked about my life, give me advice when I needed it, and then we'd go about our business.

It wasn't until about five months ago, when you came to live with me, that I really got to know you.

 

By then, you had already lost your father, your mother, and other people you loved. We had never talked much about your feelings before, but after you came to stay with me, you opened your heart.

For the first time, I got to know a man I had never truly known.

I saw a sweet, kind, gentle, loving man who was full of emotion. You talked about when you were sad. You talked about when you felt joy. You weren't afraid to tell me how you felt.

And you were always bragging about my son.

I know how much you loved Kash.

Your favorite saying was, "Kash... I just love that boy. I love that baby."

I heard you say that four or five times every single week.

You would brag to me and to anyone else who would listen about how smart he was, how strong he was, and how happy he made you. Every time you saw him, you'd say, "He fills my heart with so much joy. I just can't get enough of that Kash."

Those words will stay with me forever.

You were a very good man to so many people, and that is something I truly admired about you. You touched people's lives in ways I had never seen before. Making a difference in the lives of others wasn't just something you did—it was who you were.

We shared so many wonderful memories together.

Vacations...

Skiing...

Fishing...

Hunting...

Those were all incredible times.

But the greatest gift you ever gave me was the last five months we spent together.

Those months blessed my life in ways I never could have imagined.

 

Then came Father's Day.

You woke up that morning looking like there was nothing wrong. You got yourself dressed, combed your hair, and made sure you looked your best because I had told you Mom was coming over to spend Father's Day with us.

We decided to order food and stay home that day.

Something told me to leave you and Mom alone so the two of you could simply enjoy each other's company.

So I went to my office and ate lunch there.

As I walked back and forth throughout the day, I saw exactly what I had watched my entire life.

The two of you holding hands.

Hugging.

Kissing.

Laughing.

Enjoying each other's company.

Loving each other the way you always had.

That was one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me.

Later that evening, you got ready for bed.

As always, I came to tuck you in.

I kissed you on the forehead and took your hands so I could help lay you back onto your pillow.

And that's when you passed away.

In that very moment, I knew you were standing in the presence and glory of our Heavenly Father.

God gave me one final gift.

He gave us five months together so we could truly know one another in a way we never had before.

He allowed me to watch you spend your last day hugging, kissing, laughing, and loving your beautiful wife.

Mom later told me the two of you prayed together that day.

She said you prayed for the entire family.

And you prayed a special prayer for Kash before she went to bed that night.

God has blessed me in more ways than I could ever describe.

But I am especially grateful that you got to spend your final day surrounded by the people you loved most.

Thank you for everything you gave me.

Thank you for your example.

Thank you for your love.

Until we meet again...

I love you, Ol' Man.