In Memory of:

He was an alcoholic, a chain smoker, a selfish man, and a devious rebel who lived hard on the front end of his life. Eventually his body said enough and rendered him incapacitated. He spent much of the last three years bed-ridden, unable to eat, get dressed, get-up, go to the bathroom without assistance from others and a wife who only saw the love past his faults. He fought through anger and depression to find acceptance. Yet, as a stroke and who knows , how many more, strangled his ability to communicate he never lost his sense of humor. It was always there in the roll of his eyes, a raised eyebrow, a hint of a smile in a face twisted from paralysis. In the end he understood his mistakes and came to terms with his demons, wanting to make things right but unable to change the course of his actions. It was a remorse he could no longer convey to all he loved.
His passing will be without fanfare and without reverence. Not many will read this or see the tiny article tucked into the obituaries of a small town news paper. In the end he made one final attempt to set things right in a selfless act of finally letting go, so the healing could begin.
Yes. He was all of these things. He was also my father. I will miss him.
Dad (Jan 8th 1931- Jan 18th 2005)