Sierra, Carley, Cody,
This tribute, while for your father, is also very much for you. I know you all know the story of how I came to be in your lives but I will tell it here again, in your dad's honor.
When Carley was 3, she went to a preschool where my 3 yr old son Rocco also attended. Your mom asked me if I wanted to be her friend and thank the fates, I said yes. In the years that followed, my family and your family spent alot alot of time together. The match was great. Sierra and Delani (my first) were the same age. Rocco and Carley were the same age. And then there was Cody (who I hear is a full grown man now but I can't, just can't get the image of Cody the baby out of my heart these days, so I won't try. My heart can only take so much)
So as I became closer to you all, I obviously met your dad. And obviously I adored your dad. I loved coming to your house and did often. And Always always I felt welcome by your dad. I felt like he liked me, he liked my children, he liked my friendship with your mom and in that way that was especially "your dad" he did it in such a genuine, warm, funny, southern charm kind of way. In the only way that your dad could have. He was one of the men who I have always like most on this planet.
He stuck with me, you know. His way of being. Weather he was slow smoking pork for pulled pork sandwiches (god his bbq sauce was good!) or singing "its your birthday, the day you were born" or playing the stock market with monopoly money first before actually investing, or playing guitar and singing Lynard Skynard, or saving my life when I came down with Scarlet Fever (sorry I sacred you guys that day, I know I looked hideous) it didn't really matter, he had a way of being that stayed with you. I really do think it was his Southern upbringing, he had so much hospitality. My sincere condolences to his parents. I am grieving your grief.
As the years passed and all of our lives took the paths that they did, I had conversations with your dad from time to time. We never completely lost touch which I am so grateful for.
The last time we spoke was sometime within the last 12 months although I have to admit, I don't remember exactly when but he called me, out of the blue. We chewed-the-fat for an hour and it was as it had always been with your dad, easy and light. Its beyond describable that it was our last conversation. Doesn't really matter anyways because it was there, in that last conversation. That "Greg" way of being. His way of being that stays.
I am so so sorry that you lost your dad. I am truly am.
I just want you to know that I felt it from him. The him that only he could be and its rare these days to feel that from people. And its value matches its rarity.
I send my deep and motherly love to each of you. Each of you are so special to me. As are the many memories of those years together.
I will cherish my memories of your dad. He had an immeasurable impact on people.