As I begin to reflect on a life gone way too soon, I am reminded of that same life doing things always in such a way as to be sensational from the first time you were Christened under the Big Top tent at your Great Uncle Garner Pool's Tent Revival in Filmore, California, no small Church for you it wasn't grand enough, and as a boy parading around our little home in your diaper and with your red fire hat on backwards running full speed like there was no tomorrow , to hiding till we almost called the authorities to report you missing only to find you hiding in the yard in a packing box laughing so hard at us once we had discovered you there. You were a daredevil in every sense of the word in the things you did with your brother like Rattle snake hunting and finding them, when told specifically not too because they were poisonous. Then your ambitions to become a professional young BMX rider after watching the guys doing it on TV until you fell off the fence breaking your arm. So many exploits over the years from BMX biking, skateboarding at the expense of breaking those boards with all the Ollie’s and other tricks you tried to perform. Then there was AYSO soccer in which you excelled in. I can’t recall you ever being on a losing team only Championship bound teams, because of your grit, winning desire, and skill set, that also transcended and shinned in baseball while you played in the Los Alamitos Little league. I truly loved watching you grow and loved playing catch, going to batting cage practices, along with hitting high fly balls to you and your brother. A dad’s pride always welled up inside me as I watched you perform the things you loved doing back then. You were a star then, and in most everything you set your mind to do along the way over the years, that star continued to shine. When you were barely old enough you sailed on a mighty warship with me and your mom around the Channel Islands, who can say that at such a young age. Also, after attending my Reenlistment Ceremony on my ship “Another great warship,” when you helped me carry a big part my reenlistment bonus home in your arms because it was 1000 one-dollar bills taped and rolled together. The look of pride in your eyes will be etched in my memory forever, but boy were you proud to carry it, and I was proud for you back then as well. You captured the hearts of everyone who knew you especially being the "Favorite Nephew" of all your aunts back then before your brother was born. You were so loved by all of them and your great grandfather told me when he was gravely ill, that in his words "I'm not going anywhere until I get to see my great grandson" before he died, and that was a promise he kept because the joy you brought to both your Great grandfather, and your grandpa was evident in the hugs and grins they both shared as they got to hold you along with your grandpa Robert, grandma Gay, and grandma Margaret. I admired how hard you worked at being a dad and provider for your children, and for one special young girl who had no father, you cared for her with that same love and affection as if she was your own. I truly enjoyed the time we spent together over the years albeit limited, and the talks we shared too, over both simple, and complex issues of going on in your life. I also miss our letter writing back and forth over the years. Fast forward now to the last time we were together, and you celebrated your Birthday here with me at my home in Michigan, and I could see the excitement in your eyes as I gave you my childhood “Red Line” Hot Wheel car. Also, somehow as you always knew how to do, you had me, and everyone around the table laughing so hard. Well, as hard as this year’s birthday is going to be for me personally, I know you’ll be celebrating this year with the rest of our big family there in Heaven on your birthday, and if I know you, you’ll have all of them listening to your stories and laughing along with you too. Son your sometimes tough exterior was like a rough stone on the outside because of your quiet demeanor at times, but when polished and rubbed hard enough, the diamond you held inside you was the most beautiful treasure one could imagine, and it was something beautiful to behold by everyone who got the opportunity to witness it. I know your smile, wit, and personality will be missed by all of us here, while those there with you will get to share in the same joy as we did because of who you are, and you will continue to be in our hearts. As with all those times before when we've had to be apart, I won’t say “Good Bye," but "So Long for now,” because the next time we meet there will be no more “So long for now’s” from me, only hugging, and tears of gladness, as we will forever be together again. I LOVE YOU SON, with all my heart, soul, and being, so please know that, and as I think about you and reflect on your life here, that I will forever have a hole in my heart that only God can fill with the great memories I have of you, so again “So long for now Son.” Love you to Heaven and back. DAD
