At Emporia State, he was a non-traditional student (and that's putting it mildly); I was a lost, crazy young adult on her fifth major in 3 years. He was older than my parents with long gray hair, a loud barking laugh and a sense of humor that would make even a sailor blush.
He welcomed me into his family and took me to coffee every week. He became a beloved uncle to me. The kind you choose, not the kind you're born with.
He was a man who loved Pink Floyd almost as much as he loved the game of basketball. But most of all he loved his kids. There was always a far off twinkle in his clear blue eyes when he spoke of Sarah and Travis. They were what he was most proud of.
During our friendship, he taught me many lessons; but the most important lesson he taught me I thought I'd already learned. It was the one that went something like: "....you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them." from my favorite book, To Kill a Mockingbird. He didn't teach me this lesson with words or lectures. He taught me with authentic friendship, acceptance and love - he taught me just by being himself.
I lost my friend Gary just a few days ago. It was sudden and I will miss him very much.
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| Gary, with his first grandchild. |
There are no happy endings.
Endings are the saddest part,
So just give me a happy middle
And a very happy start.
-Shel Silverstein
4 comments:
Hey! I like those Uncles you were born with.
I love the uncles I was born with. That's what made it so easy for me to think of Gary as one of them. See?
you have an amazing way with words woman. He is loved and will be missed. = rubi
Aw - this is a sweet post and a great memories of him. I'm sorry for your loss and hope that a part of him will always be with you.
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