I have known my brother-in-law Joe for almost forty years. Through him, I had the distinct pleasure and privilege of not only meeting, but getting to know, his parents, Rosemarie and Leon. Mr. and Mrs. C. are among the finest, most down-to-earth, grace-filled people I have met in my life. At the risk of embarrassing him, I hasten to point out that the apple who is their son fell, took foot, and sprouted an entirely new tree on the ground immediately adjacent to theirs. I can pay no higher compliment to my brother-in-law than to say that he is his parents' son.
Last Wednesday, Mr. C. died. One need look no further for an example of life's inherent inequity than the physical hardships he endured during the final several years of his simply extraordinary life, which took their toll on him and on his best girl, Rosemarie, with whom he lived his best life.
I wish I had the language skills to properly convey my sympathies to Mrs. C., to Joe, and to their entire family, which of course includes Jill and my nieces, Simone and Julia. I do not.
Safe journey home, Mr. C., and thank you for every kindness you extended to me, to my wife, and to my children. You made the world a better place during your lifetime. Those you loved, and those you loved most of all, shall do their level best to honor your memory by doing likewise.
-AK
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