The Second Death

Three years ago today you left us...Groundhog Day of all days.

We all miss you tonight Pop. Your beautiful wife misses you. Your grandchildren miss you. All your children miss you…and I miss you.

Anyone who has been on this earth for any length of time has become familiar with death, or the loss of someone you love; whether it’s a distant relative, a close family member or friend. This is death…”the first death”.

I’ve heard it said that the second death is when even the very memory of a person is gone. This usually happens within one or two generations. It’s a sad thought…like an individual was never here at all.

As long as I remember my dad, he is alive.

I think of him and hear his voice, he is still here.

I remember his laugh; I smile and he is still with me.

I remember many conversations we’ve had, he is here.

I’m 10 years old, and I see him so proud in the bleachers clapping and smiling, yelling “that’s my kid!” as I round the bases for my first home run; he is still with me.

I remember his great laugh. I can hear him.

I recall at 18 years old the 16 hour drive back to Ft. Gordon Georgia in my piece of crap 1967 Volkswagen bug. I remember the stories he told me, the laughs we had, the first time I felt like it was a man to man conversation...he is still with me.

I remember his endless smile.

I remember his crazy ass episodes; like at 79 years old calling out another old dude for a fight in the parking lot of the bowling alley because the guy disrespected my mom. He told that guy that he was going to “rip his heart out and shove it down his throat”…and he would have if the guy hadn’t backed down. I also remember him pulling out his .38 hand gun and shooting at the neighbors’ dog…he was afraid of dogs…too funny-

I remember his velvet thundering hand. My brother and I always respected and feared him…in a healthy way.

I remember his toughness and strength.

I remember his amazing ability to deal with physical pain…HUGE amounts of pain that the average person (including me) could never handle; especially with the strength and grace that he did.

I remember his humility.

I remember his love for his mother.

I remember his love for his wife.

He was a simple man that learned thankfulness and contentment at an early age. He worked hard from the age of 11 into his 60’s. He lived very simply, expected little, required little, gave much, loved unconditionally and endured and fought to the end of his days here on earth.

Though the memory of our existence may fade here on earth when we leave, and the “second death” washes away any trace of our life on earth, our spirits are eternal…thankfully our Heavenly Father has provided the path to eternal life through his son Jesus. I will be with my dad again…this I know-

Tonight I miss my father. I will always love him and carry his spirit in me, and I know without a doubt that I will be with him again someday.

See you soon Pop!
With all my Love,

Your youngest son-
February 2, 2010