He danced. He shouted. He cracked jokes.
When he got excited he rubbed his hands together as if he were chilly and opened his mouth as wide as could be.
Sometimes he would say the wrong things at the wrong moments and gave people nicknames, uniquely his own.
He still drained three pointers with ease. He enjoyed cheesy science fiction movies.
Great dinners were his thing and he got a kick out of watching people savor good food.
He got cold easily and worked tirelessly through hot summer days.
He couldn't keep a secret.
I watched him snorkeling one afternoon, flipping around in the ocean, in all his glory.
He gave the perfect speech at our wedding and cut an immaculate rug.
If he was in a room he was the center of attention, simply by being there.
He was gentle, strong, smart and hilarious.
He knew his stuff about Motown, I never once stumped him.
He was still very much in love with his high school sweetheart.
He was a hero to my Brother and I and our best buddy.
He was kindred spirits with my Wife.
People knew him wherever we went and people came in droves to pay their final respects.
He lived life everyday and loved unconditionally.
Two weeks, the longest I've gone without talking to my Father. I can't really say I miss him because he is still here. His scent lingers in the house, his voice is alive and boisterous as ever in saved messages on my cellphone. I dream of him every night. I get scared though, thinking of the day I do begin to miss him. I get angry thinking about my own children and how they were robbed of an awesome Grandfather. Most days I'm just sad.
Then I think about what he would say to me. In carefully chosen words, short and to the point. I won't share them but I replay them over and over again in my head. It makes all of this a bit easier to get through. Perhaps that was his final gift to me, maybe the greatest.
The patience and inner strength to take it day by day, to keep on trucking. I've never been so uncertain about what lies ahead but what I do know is my Father gave my family and I more than a lifetime of fond memories. I will do the same, in his honor.
We never did say these words much to each other but I love you Dad. You will always be with me.
