Loss is something no one likes to think about. We don’t like to think about the loss of a pet, a job, a home, even our trivial electronics we think we can’t live without. We don’t like to think about loss of any kind. Especially a loved one.
A man I have known my whole life passed away today. He isn’t family, but he is as important as family. He and his wife were largely responsible for straightening out my dad (which wasn’t easy) and in the end helping him become the man he is today.
As I was growing up we used to visit them every other summer. It was a two day drive to get to them and we would stay part of our vacation with them and my aunt and uncle for the other. I can remember sitting in their kitchen and eating giant (to me anyway) sourdough pretzels, playing in the yard and visiting the cabin in the mountains. I have nothing but wonderful memories of our time there.
When my sister got married they even came to visit for the wedding. My son was only a few weeks old at the time and they helped take care of him on the wedding day so we could do our part.
I haven’t seen them in years, I’m not sure when the last time I saw them actually was. I should have gone to visit them. I should have spent more time with them. Now that is not something I can do. It surprises me how I feel the loss of someone I haven’t seen in years. Loss is like that. It surprises you at a moment when you least expect it and can surprise you with the mess of emotions to follow. Loss is like that.
