A Great Man

This morning I learned that my best friend's father passed. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just 7 short months ago and at 11:11 PM last night he took his last breath. He fought a hard battle and proved himself a valiant warrior.

I am so thankful I had the opportunity to know this wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His heart was so big, his love full and encompassing. Watching his health decline was difficult, but I was so blessed to be able to be there with his family and witness such powerful love and devotion.

In his last days they stood a constant vigil over him - his wife of 37 years, his three daughters, his many friends and loved ones. They told him how much they loveD him every time they felt like he could hear them. They showered him with kisses, held his hands, studied his face. His wife would tell him how much he meant to her, how much she loved him, how great a man he was, how proud of him she was. His daughters thanked him for being such a wonderful father, for teaching them how to make fists as little girls, for taking them to the beach every year on vacation. His best friend would sit by his bedside and talk to him, probably the same conversations they've shared for more than 40 years now.

I only really began to get to know Papa M in the last two years or so but even in that short time he made an enormous impact on my life. He taught me that what I'd learned from an early age in my own life is not the only option. All husbands don't berate and abuse their wives. All fathers don't tear down their daughters. They don't all abandon their child at the slightest hint of discourse. I learned there really are great men out there. Maybe not many, and maybe they're hard to find, but they're there. That because it's been my story up until now, it doesn't have to be my story forever.

Because of you Papa M, I'm rewriting my story. You gave me the inspiration and the hope. You helped me find the courage. I know that now you can see the impact you've made in my life. I only wish I'd been able to tell you myself.