Christmas was very, very strange. The ice storm went on for so long that by the time we got the power back, it was sort of too late to get a tree. We ended up plugging in that nice keepsake tree that Linda's parents sent her. I brought Dad your ceramic tree and set it up in his window seat. Christmas Day was tough. Linda had to work, so I went over for a visit, bringing Dad some Western DVDs and also a Tiger Woods golf game that could be played using only the DVD remote. We played a game, but then he got tired and I went back to ready the house for the kids and dinner. I cried all the way home.
Everything after that is a sort of blur. I remember lots of details but you don't really need to know them. Maybe the next time I write. I have to say, though, this was the first time that I was actually glad that you weren't here. You didn't need to see this.
Did you know about Lynn? And the heart attack? I told Dad about it but not that she was gone. I figured he already had enough to deal with.
It was only two weeks later that he passed on. I never actually got to ask him about it near the end (mostly out of fear), but he knew what was happening and apparently had had a conversation with Rita at the home about being ready to visit you. That man always had more going on in his head than he was willing to let on.
Obviously, there was more blur for the rest of the winter. Spring finally showed up around here a few weeks ago, to much rejoicing from the locals. I promised myself that, after the long and harsh winter, I would not complain about the mud or the black flies. So far, so good. Hey, even your buddy Greg Brown made a local appearance. Yes, he played over at the Unitarian church. You would have loved it (though maybe not those wooden benches up in the balcony... I think my butt still hurts from that). I still remember when you ran up to him and hugged him after that show a few years ago!
Article comments
1 - Rob
This is a great album!
2 - Connie Phillips
I don't have the words that could really compare to what you've written here. What a wonderful, loving tribute.
Sending you some hugs this Mother's Day.
3 - Lisa Solod Warren
Beautiful tribute, my friend. I know you miss her.
4 - Mary K. Williams
very nice - wish i had your guts.
5 - Mat Brewster
That was lovely, Mark. Very moving.
6 - Linda Saleski
Yeah! We cannot really be so alone when they live with us in our hearts and minds. Each holiday allows us to feel their love once again. The Wife
7 - Jeff Mazza
Mark, I feel your pain. I miss my dad, your mom and dad and your sister Lynn. It has been a rough year. All I can do or say is that I love you man. Your my cousin and my friend and your parents were always my other set of parents. Linda "the wife" is right...they live on in our hearts and memories. You know how to reach me. We need to get together soon.
With Love
your cousin
Jeff