I hadn’t realized that it has been two years. Sounds like you are dealing with the loss of your dad well. I know he would be proud of you for marrying Emily shortly after his death and your continued success.

Today’s Uncle Woodrow’s birthday, and more and more I feel the dread of losing him; especially as he has outlasted all of his other siblings, save one who’s much younger. He still has the spark; he’s one of the most easy-going, yet passionate people I’ve ever met, and a great storyteller. I try very hard to glean as much as I can about family and just how to approach life in general, as he seems to have had a good handle on it under the circumstances. I would write about him on my site, but I’m just superstitious enough to hold off. I miss Mom and I miss Dad. I don’t want to miss a thing with him.

Alex, I feel you. Hang in there, man. (wowzers, given the accompanying quote, I’m not sure exactly how to take the title of the book >;)

My wife never knew him and wishes she had. At least yours did.

I have nothing of his that I can use or wear everyday.

On the other hand, I didn’t fear him, although I certainly wanted his approval.

After 40+ years, I still think of him, see his face in my memory and wish he had stayed around longer.

While they still played in NY, we were Giants fans and the Polo Grounds was our home away from home. Just thinking what a kick it would be to be able to see a ballgame with him now. On the other hand, he would be turning 100 and the Stadium might be a bit difficult for him to negotiate.

Thanks for the memories.

So he gave it up. And when I broke up with my first love, my college sweetheart, I gave it to her. Later, I regretted it. I fell out of touch with her over the years but had some mutual friends and I contacted her after my dad died.

I asked if she still had the necklace would she mind returning it? The worst she could say was no, and I wouldn’t have blamed her no matter what she said. Two days after I touched base with her, the necklace arrived in the mail “to its rightful owner,” as she said.

I haven’t taken it off since. Pretty classy move on her part, wouldn’t you say?

I don’t think there is anything wrong with feeling relief after someone is gone. It may make us feel guilty at first, but it’s an honest emotion, even if it exposes our own nuerosis at what “looks appropriate.”

I think the thing is, to tell people that we love that we love them, appreciate them, as often as we can because whether it is a grandmother, parent, spouse or child, tomorrow isn’t guarenteed for anyone and it’s important to let people know how you feel.

Least that’s how I see it.

[5] i get that, too. the banter is the best!

[1] [6] my dad bought my mom this awesomely cool silver necklace about 45 years ago. i put it around my neck when i was 13 or 14 and have never ever taken it off since!!! last week when i was home, we were going thru old photos w/ my grandpa and we found a picture of my mom w/ the necklace on. it was pretty cool!

He would have been 81 this past Sunday.

Fortunately, my mom is still going strong (knock on wood).

Alex …. thank you for allowing us into your world, always with such eloquence and dignity.

How sad to be left with these emotions.
How common is this?
Have I done better as a father… or is this somewhat the nature of parent/child relationships?
I’m so jealous when I meet someone (rarely) with a ‘normal’ realtionship with their folks.

Interesting…

my grandmother is getting close, and I am constantly trying to prepare myself.
“This is how it’s gonna feel; don’t be surprised, be strong, the family is going to need you…”
I check in on her every day around lunch, and I have that split second in the car before I get out, that gut check moment to be ready for anything.

I know it sounds terrible and paranoid. It really is, I guess.

And also, that couch is pure NYC 70′s, I can’t even count how many second-cousin-once-removed and great-aunt/uncle’s have(/had) one like it!