A letter to Bob.
It’s been a month since you passed so suddenly. I didn’t want to rush but I took the time to reflect on the time we had together. So, let me share my life with you…as my father-in-law. Some would think it’s a 50/50 chance you get along with your father-in-law in general. I heard how you were a hard egg to crack. Honestly it made me pretty nervous to meeting you for the first time, especially when I don’t get rattled too easily. It must be because I really had strong feelings for your daughter and I really wanted it to work. Well after the 1st meeting, I left thinking exactly what everyone told me. I didn’t really get a reaction from you, feeling you were trying to gaze into my soul to read me as a person, Yes! just like you were playing a hand in poker. I decided that being myself and just show you who I was as a man and show you I would love and take care of your daughter. I always listened to your logic on things, your ways always made me look at things at different angles. Through our conversations I’ve learn plenty from your wisdom. I believe you are one of the smartest people in my life. I find it funny that we agree on most issues. I will try to apply those teachings moving forward. You taught me a lot about life. Thank You!
Everyone knew how a hard worker you were. You had integrity, your word was bond. You were able to have a handful of successful businesses. Powering through every obstacle and hurdle to implement your plans. You would have made things work no matter what because you had a “GabbaDost” (Hard Head)….well I think that’s how I think you would have spelled it. But I will remember you for the little things. Life is in the details. I am a true believer in that, without details life would be generic. So here are details that I will remember about you. How proud you were of your homemade “McGyver” inventions. When we built the dam in the freezing creek up the mountains. Slurping clams and oysters at the shore and Berlin mart by the dozen. Jealousy of you inventing and playing “Crystal Caves” with the kids (for those who don’t know…its farting in bed with the sheets over your head, I still don’t get it but the kids loved it!). How much enjoyment you had telling me the same stories. Your nicknames for everyone. You calling me “Yan can Cook”, hopefully you liked my cooking, I knew when you did because you would freeze it as soon as I finished. How you taught my sons and daughter how to play Craps at the age of 4. Your amazing luck when you pick horses just by their names and end up winning on a bet. Those were just a handful of things I will remember, there are a lot more! Just know you were LOVED by my family especially my kids that adored you. You will always be their “Poppy”!
At the end of it…I have a clue but you are so hard to read if you approved of me as your son-in-law. So, I’ll have to tell you what I feel. I heard from somewhere that being called a father/dad is one of the noblest title you can get. I only understand now because I am a father myself. We provide, we protect, we hand down wisdom, we share and we teach. You did all that! I hope you are at peace. So with much love, I want to say I am so proud to be your son-in-law! Thank you for being a part in my life and letting me be a part of yours. Rest In Peace DAD.