For this Christmas Day post, I am going to steer clear of writing about the emotions and grief that my family, near and far, and I have been going through over the past week due to the loss of my father last Thursday and our 13-year-old dog Jake the very next morning. I’m sure you can imagine what it was like; you don’t need me to shit on your holiday.
What I would like to do is say thank you to a bunch of folks.
My Siblings, Etc.
First, I must say thank you to my brother, sister, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and nephews for the care, service, love, and attention they gave to my father over the last couple of years, especially over his final months and weeks. My ill-written words here can’t begin to scratch the surface of my gratitude and heartfelt thanks. You all did an amazing job, and you should all be extremely proud. Love you.
Wifey and B.
I will forever cherish the hugs, tears, support, and words we shared together over the past week as we said goodbye to my dad and to our long-time canine companion, Jake (the dog).
Brennan was caring, loving, and a huge help through all of this, and I hope he doesn’t have to grieve or step up like he did this past week again anytime soon. Thanks, kid. I love you.
Wifey was amazing in every possible way I can think of. Not to mention her driving skills, as I relinquished my normal long-distance driving duties to her, and she made her way back to PA for the second time in less than a week, this time hauling my ass. Thanks, girl. I love you, and I can’t imagine going through life without you. I also hope you never have to do that much driving in one week ever again!
I am an extremely lucky man to have these two amazing people in my life.
The In-Laws
I cannot say thank you enough to my father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and their kids. My father-in-law graciously welcomed us into his home, fed us, and was the rock of support that he always manages to be in times like these. Actually, the rock of support he is ALL of the time. Thank you, sir.
With us unable to find boarding for Lola (the dog) on such short notice, my sister-in-law and her family welcomed Lola to stay at their home for two nights even though they already care for three dogs. Knowing our girl was in caring hands and well-loved in our absence was a life-saver. Also, your love and support during this time was amazing. Thank you so much.
Friends
To all our long-time friends from the Pittsburgh area, Michigan locals, and such unfortunate alien locales such as Florida (joking, Dave), I say thank you for your love, generosity, and support during this trying time. I hope that I never have to do the same for you, but I hope you know that I indeed will. Much love.
Soiled Readers and IG friends
I was blown away by the kindness via emails, texts, and comments I received from folks literally all over the world; from New Zealand to down the block, your words of support regarding the passing of my father and Jake (the dog) were uplifting, to say the least. Thank you.
Lola (the dog)
Lola was not herself and visibly upset by the absence of Jake in the house, and the last thing I wanted to do was force her to ride in a car for a 13-hour round-trip (for more than one reason). But she did it (with some help from three of us), and she is slowly making her way back to normal. I know you can’t read English, girl, but thank you. Woof-woof.
Moving on…
Wifey and I went out for a short, snowy, 3-mile lumber at dawn on Christmas Day, and I will share some words and photos from that, as well as from the Christmas Day we managed to salvage on the tail-end of our grief in the next day or two.
For now, I have my eye on the Boxing Day “festive fixtures” in the Premier League and EFL Championship tomorrow. The fridge is stocked with top-notch beers, and after an early morning lumber, I don’t plan on leaving the house until Friday morning.
Thank you all.
Later.