It seems every month tapped me on the shoulder and passed me a note that life is short. Every day that passed, I could feel time looking over at my table as if I were a restaraunt patron who has overstayed his timely welcome.

An odd chain reaction of failing health precipitated from Auntie’s death, on to your own stress, and followed by Grandma’s death as well. A son watched his father’s health strain under the stress of his own parents’ ailing conditions.

I thought for a second, after your renal arteries were nice and open, we’d enjoy a nice birthday dinner with Grandma and Grandpa as present as their minds would allow, but those plans quickly changed.

Uncle Buddy entrusted me with his thoughts and I gave what I think was a eulogy for Grandma, thought I didn’t think it was that at the time.

Time was a nagging collector, reminding me constantly at the debt of preparation due for my growing son.

It was a year, to be sure. I watched two grandparents pass away and you, of course, with your health issues that are, thankfully, with good ending so far.

I’d like to say next year will be a breather, but it’s the first year of my son’s life and I’m not about to enjoy it sitting down.

I pay my respects to those family who have moved along. I pay those respects best by living life as full as I can, and I hope that makes for a wonderful New Year for everyone.

Love you,
Son