Opaque Lucidity

Farewell

We buried Charlie today. He was my oldest sister's father-in-law, but he was so much more. He was father, grandfather and friend to many in our family, even though we were technically not related. He loved coming to our family gatherings---he danced at our niece's wedding less than two weeks ago.

I was 11 or so when I met Charlie; that's 25 years behind me. I can barely remember a time when he was not a part of my life. He loved conversation, especially anything technical or historical. He began slipping a few years ago, so he spent a little more time listening than speaking. He would sometimes repeat himself or spin off on a tangent, but everyone took it in stride. After all, it was Charlie.

Charlie was a kind, caring man. He was not afraid to shed a tear in public, a trait he and I shared. He was a devout Catholic with the kind of deep faith that makes me envious. He probably watched thousands of football, basketball and baseball games at our old high school. Unlike some parents, he enjoyed sitting on the hard bleachers watching teenagers compete.

I am a better man for having had him in my life.