I just got off the phone with my very best friend of 28 years now! We met and quickly became best buddies at the ripe old age of 13! We've been through a lot together! First loves and all those that followed, crazy high school antics, both getting married way too young, living worlds apart and still trying to stay connected, giving birth, parenting, adoption, divorce, re-marriage, the death of my mother and now today the death of her father.
Losing a parent is never easy no matter their age, circumstances, having warning or it being sudden. I lost my mom 19 years ago at the incredibly young age of 40! She had a heart attack in her sleep. She did have a damaged heart as we found out three years prior. We were told all was good- do this and this and this and you'll live a full life. She did all of those things and more and we still lost her.
My dear friend's dad was taken by ambulance from the doctor's office 6 days ago and lost his life today surrounded by his wife and four children. He was 72 and had lived a full life. This doesn't ease the pain though when it's your dad, husband, brother, grandfather. It hurts and you struggle and question and worry and then learn to cope.
Karla and I discussed why it is that you can't take a "pass" on the life going on around you when something like this takes place. It just doesn't work that way. She still has two children to care for, a full time high pressure job to deal with, a depressed, uninvolved ex husband and a mourning mother and siblings. As the oldest child she has always been the take charge one, and now she again will take charge as they go to the funeral home tomorrow morning.
I love you Karla and I hope you find the strength and courage to carry your head high as you always have! I'll miss your dad and his sense of humor! I sometimes miss the young ladies we were growing up around him. You know those silly, idealistic girls who just knew that they would find their knight in shining armor and your dad that just sat and listened probably both laughing and yet hoping all of our dreams would come true!
Rest in Peace Bill!
