Well it has been almost a month since my last post, and what a month. The activity level has been to high and I have been too lazy to post my thoughts, which are still in a swirl. First things first.
The king is dead. Dr. C. Dale Parker, at 2:10 on Saturday December 17th died. He was my father in law, but more than that he was my mentor, my friend and one of the few men that I respected though and through. While I might not have agreed with his each and every action, I have never met a man who was more deeply moral than him. It is hard for me to put into words my thoughts and feelings about Carlos. He taught me how to deer hunt. He loved his grandchildren, my children, with all his heart. He was generous with both is time and money, almost to a fault, if there is such a thing.
He had a deep and abiding faith in God. Not just a verbal faith like so many, but one that came though in our conversations about life, marriage and parenting. Like so many men of the 50's he was dependent on the women of his life. From his southern belle of a wife, Marilyn to his loving daughters Mary Jane and Susan, my wife. Like all truly good men, they loved him with all their souls.
I am not sure I can ever thank him for all he did for me. I am not sure he ever realized how much I loved him, or how much I will miss him. With the exception of my mother, no adult has had a more profound impact on my life. While most men are taught by their fathers what it is to be a man, I was taught by my father in law and not by him telling me what to do, but by the example he lived. He will always be with me.
So I say, the King is dead, long live the King! May we always remember him and cherish the gifts he bestowed upon us. May god have mercy on him and bless him, for I know of no soul who deserves to be with God more than my friend Dr. C. Dale Parker. I love you Carlos.
Well that is my biggest event so far. More to follow no doubt. But I felt it was important to put down my feelings while they are still raw.
My life so far, painful and sad right now, but still my life!
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