MichaelS36

Thank you for this, tim. Dad was a wonderful man. you're right, we were lucky to have had him in our lives. The Celebration was generational. Babies to a ninety-two year old so, he will be remembered as you say. Thanks, boy. xo

Thank you, Reader.

Thank you, molly.

Of course you do. The lisp is cute as well.

Thank you, molly. We could use more men like my father was. He loved his family. He walked the walk and told it like it was. I miss him very much but he is always with me. xo

He along with my mom have been wonderful, gracious and accepting. I hope you followed that wise guy's advice. Stress is a killer and when it's in our lives we need to recognize it and be gentle with ourselves. I have support from both my wonderful husbands. Thank you for your response, kbois.

Thank you, chris. Much appreciated.

Wonderful, especially dandy lions... love it.

Interesting. This sounds wonderful and then you read it again and really consider the meanings. No lighthearted romp here. Thank you, tim.

tim promises better tasting sauce with the fresh herbs. I'm waiting for the evidence. LOL

That's interesting. So, are you saying we should read this with skepticism? I suppose it's rather like interviewing the accused, don't believe everything you hear. Humans are so unreliable. That's why preserving the crime scene is so very important. All right, Wayne. I'll keep that in mind as I read this.

Let's hope we don't go the way of The Walking Dead. I'm sure you won't. I gave up watching that as well. Same thing over and over, just different evil overlords/ladies. It got rather insulting frankly. Gas will last 8 months to a year if you're lucky, unless you're on TV of course. These guys are interesting. Sensible and smart. You'd have to be to survive. I don't believe we'd lose all our humanity or sense of community.

Mmm. Interesting. Not a huge fiction fan, however, tim tells me it's worth my time. I'll trust the boy. I like the diary angle.

I'm glad you appreciate me, boy. It's my duty to look after you. Lol.

Many things are easier said than done. But being mindful, and practice can help. Often the destination is worth the journey. Speaking of journeys, I watched an interesting film recently called The Way. It starred Martin Sheen and it was made/written by his son, Emilo Estevez. It was about the camino de santiago or the pilgrimage to see St James' Shrine in northwestern Spain. It's spiritual not necessarily about the Catholic faith. To me it was more about finding yourself. It was worth my time to watch.

I'm sorry. I understand completely.

I think you can still clown in flip flops.

The end was coming faster than any of us wanted. My father knew he was dying and said as much in early March this year. He'd battled cancer over the last three years. I wonder if he'd opted for the surgery from the start whether he'd be with us now. He chose chemo and radiation and other options. I don't discuss this with my mother. She doesn't need me to bring it up. But, how he fought this disease was his own battle in the long run. He died as he'd lived—on his own road. He taught us about living your own life. He taught us right from wrong. He taught us that we had to be able to look in the mirror and see a person we could be proud of. My father is why I am who I am. I'm out and always have been since I figured out I was gay. He and my mom were the first people I told when I was about thirteen, I guess. Later, I told them about the lifestyle I live. Both of them have always accepted me and loved me. For that I'm grateful every day. At the end of May there will be a celebration of his life. It'll take place outdoors, a casual drop in for friends and family. A time to remember a wonderful man. There will always be hole in my heart, but in time it will fill with memories of him and that will make it easier to bear. My mother was a good partner for Dad and she misses him greatly. They'd been together over 50 years. But she is as strong as he was and while it hurts, she is holding on and reaching out to her sons, family and friends. I'm no poet but my wonderful husband tells me this is okay... Well for better or worse, this is for you, Dad. When I was young, you were bigger than life Father, a giant in my boyish eyes Under gentle protection, love was rife You taught me respect and to eschew lies Acceptance of me, I never doubted I wore my own skin, not someone else's guise You gave me freedom, never rerouted Meeting life in spite of what may arise Dear Father you are from life departed I will always recall your words most wise Love, be kind and forever bighearted For all of these will deliver the prize Of a life lived well, few regrets and strife Where no demons exist to exorcise ***************************************** Comments aren't necessary. Of course you will do as you wish and that's okay. Not sure when I'll feel up to replying so if it takes me awhile, I hope you'll forgive me.

Thank you, for the kind offer, Kitt.

Indeed, you're right. That's a lovely analogy.

Thank you, molly. It's difficult as you know, but love and time will dull the immediate pain.

Thank you, K. I hope things are okay with you.

Thank you, all. It was a peaceful end and it is a blessing that she'll remember him that way. Thank you.

Thanks for your condolences. I appreciate it. I was just saying, he had the best death, if there is such a thing. He simply went to sleep and passed on. Mom is doing okay. She called everyone herself. I've gotten her to lay down for the moment. Hopefully, we can both get a few hours. They have been together for over 50 years. Thanks to all of you that haunt this place. I'm grateful to you all. M.

Mildly dystopian story which explores our need for companionship. Here Adan learns this after meeting a stray dog. A very pleasant read from a favourite author.