My Second Dad
by Steve West on September 7, 2018

Earlier this week, I lost my father-in-law to lung cancer. He was a beautiful man who welcomed me into his family after marrying his oldest daughter. Family isn’t always blood. It’s people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are - the ones who would do anything to make you smile and love you no matter what. When someone you love dies… you never get over it. You just slowly get through each day. But you always keep them tucked safely in your heart. Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal but love leaves a memory that no one can take away. A devoted husband and adoring father, Norm’s heritage to his children isn’t words or possessions, but an unspoken treasure of his example as a man and a father. There are moments in life you wish you could bring someone down from heaven. To spend the day with them just one more time, to give them one more hug, to kiss them goodbye or hear their voice again. Just one more chance to say, “I love you.” Later, I’ll look forward to walking down “memory lane” because I know I’ll run into you there. As long as I breathe, you’ll be remembered.
Three Replies to My Second Dad
Scott Hardie | September 7, 2018
Very well-written tribute, Steve. I'm sorry for your loss. I remember you writing about Norm just two years ago as he was journaling after the loss of his wife. Your family is in my thoughts tonight.
Lori Lancaster | December 8, 2018
[hidden by author request]
Web Junkie
Steve West scours the Web searching for interest or absurdity and then shakes his head ruefully when he finds it. Read more »

Odds & Ends
Yesterday, Lauren and I went to Toby's Dinner Theatre for her birthday and saw Happy Days, the musical. I was never a big fan of the series but had seen enough of it to get the inside jokes and references to the old sitcom. A few of the groaners included not seeing Chuck for a few years now, the Fonz not being the same since he jumped the shark and Richie commenting on his usual ability to solve problems in just one-half hour. Go »
Some Anniversaries Are More Memorable Than Others
Today is the ninth anniversary of my wedding to my child bride, Brenda. So far so good. Had to call and schedule the plumber because there is water leaking from behind the wall in the bathroom. Go »
Bunch O' Stuff
Stuff that caught my eye this week. Selection of Marvel comics bloopers - check out #4 featuring Captain Barracuda. Interesting collection of literary tattoos. Go »
Such As It Is...
Best stuff I found this midweek. Funny homeless signs here and here. Music Roamer is an imaginative site that creates links to artists, similar artists, albums and other stuff. Go »
Rock Block Parallel #1: Animal Farm
Starting a theme parallel. Best new Barbie since "I'm Breaking Our Date" Ken - Hitchcock Barbie. Happy moments captured. Go »
Erik Bates | September 7, 2018
[hidden by author request]