These Are My JOTtings...

Dad Auton: "Safe in the Arms of Jesus"

Byron Eugene Auton passed
into the arms of his Loving Lord, Jesus of Nazareth, last night.
He is my wife's, Angela's, Daddy.

He is my father-in-law,
but I have always
affectionately called him,
"Dad."

Dad had degenerative joints
and had driven a scooter for many years.
I have always referred to him as
"The biggest little man I have ever known."
Barely five feet tall,
I have had the impulse to salute him
every time he enters a room.

All those years ago,...
Mr. Auton and his wife and younger daughter
made the trip from near Tampa
to Chattanooga
to meet this "young man,
who was dating his older daughter."

After spending the afternoon
at Red Lobster
and walking in a park,
I was considered,
"Accepted in the beloved,..."
having permission
to continue to date
his daughter, Angela.

That I did for nearly two years
before we were married
on August 1st, 1986.
This means that I have known the family
for just under 33 years now.

Yesterday, Angela and I celebrated
31 years as husband and wife.
Today, we prepare to go
to go to give her Dad a proper
send off in which
we will be
laying his Earth-suit to rest
in a lovely chifforobe
of a coffin.

'Bye, Dad!
We'll see you
in the morning!

by Jay O'Toole
on August 2nd, 2017