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 »
Random Thoughts While Stuck in Traffic
There's a serious traffic jam on the 495 Washington beltway that I happen to be stuck in. It's worse than stop & go, stop & go - it's more like stooooooop & go, stoooooooooooop & go. Trying to stay awake, my mind is wandering, giving me images and sounds. Go »I Am A Marketing Genius
Recent conversation with Brenda: me: I’m thinking of buying that 5-hour energy stuff. Brenda: Think it’ll be worth it? me: Depends on what it costs – that whole dollars to extra push-ups ratio. Go »I'm a Doctor, Not a Kitchen Appliance!
My toaster has a timer on it that let's you know when it's finished. It seems a little silly to add a timer beeping that's a redundant addition to the toast loudly popping up from the machine that means the same thing. So now, because the timer emits a sound eerily similar to an EKG indicating flatline, every time it goes off I'll say to Brenda, "He's bread, Jim." Go »She Obviously Wants To Outsource
Recent conversation with Brenda: Brenda: After getting a new toilet, I'm seriously in the mood for a new bathroom. me: Oh, really. Brenda: Yes, really. Go »And Justice for All
Recent conversation with Brenda: Brenda: Why are you all wet? Me: I knocked a plant off the kitchen counter. Brenda: The plant got you that wet? Go »
Erik Bates | September 7, 2018
[hidden by author request]