Wednesday, May 10, 2023
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May it would seem, is the month for the long farewells in my life. T was a few short years ago and this past Monday May 8th 2023 my father went to his eternal home. We rarely saw things the same way and it was years later, I came to the realization I am exactly like him. At first I was appalled and angry at this fact but as the years passed, I came to understand that not only was that okay, but beautiful. The last few years of his life were the best I had with him. He made me laugh, reflect and see the beauty in hard work, (he would laugh at this and roll his eyes) and most important to be a better person. He was the craziest man I ever knew and I love that my students say that about me. I got that from him. He taught me about strengths I did not know I could have in ways quiet but mostly loud and in my face which I needed. I celebrate him in the way I think he would want, a tip of a glass, a Budweiser, and a “this ones for you monkey man” I will do that from time to time for the remainder of my life. We had planned a trip to the southern coast for racing and the endless sea that he and my mother loved, this coming spring and I’ll be taking him with me and look up in corner 4 and salute the man I will always love. Farewell Monkey Man, someday I will see you again on the 19th!