Good Morning Doyle-
As we approach six years since we had the chance to talk and be close I find that my reflections of our times together and connection have not diminished but rather have become stronger and held more clarity for me.
I have always felt that God in his divine wisdom and providence allowed me to be a part of yours and Tracey and Erlene's life and I think most of that was to see what the love of a parent to a child looks like.
Over the years I have held true to my commitment on our wedding day to protect and care for your daughter and tro truly love her. While I do know that you truly loved her first, you may be comforted to know that I will always provide that safety, love and caring in your place.
I felt very blessed that, in getting to know you, I came to know a very special Chet Atkins song that was your favorite and , I was listening to it today and it reminded me of a poem about what it means when someone you love passes from this place...
What is dying?
I am standing on the seashore.
A ship sails to the morning breeze and starts for the ocean.
She is an object and I stand watching her
Till at last she fades from the horizon,
And someone at my side says, “She is gone!” Gone where?
Gone from my sight, that is all;
She is just as large in the masts, hull and spars as she was when I saw her,
And just as able to bear her load of living freight to its destination.
The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me, not in her;
And just at the moment when someone at my side says, “She is gone”,
There are others who are watching her coming,
And other voices take up a glad shout,
“There she comes” – and that is dying.
I miss you Doyle and will always hold a special place in my heart for you as the father I never had a chance to get to know...
Rick