Oh Donald

First discussed how the car commercial with the guy running to catch up with a car in a basement garage reminded you of our 11:30 sharp daily luncheons with the boys including Bob Dorsey. (Floyd, Bush, Matthews). Dunmores in Bethesda !!!! Etc.

Piece from George Carlin

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones,

because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person will soon grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you,

because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent.

Remember, to say, “I love you” to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember, to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER   Life is not measured by the number breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

And there were many times when our dear friend, husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, cousin, Don took our breath away. Generous and faithful to a fault. His beliefs, though  private, were his talisman to immortality through his  unwavering support. His word was his bond and spending time with Mom his special joy. When she visited Chicago or Tennessee he looked for things to do to keep busy. I think that it was one of those times that he bought that little dinghy at the Coast Guard PX. Well, his favorite phrase was “Do whatever floats your boat”.

He loved and lived life to the fullest. One of my favorite memories is when he, Deb, Mom, David and Delly drove up to our West VA cabin one week-end. He caught the ugliest slimiest catfish out of the lake and he just cut the line and let him go rather than touching him to retrieve the hook. It was special just like the boat parade get-togethers in Treasure Island with his home decorated to the nines for Christmas.

(Pause)

Oh Donald, our dear friend,

What demons have driven you?

Oh Donald, our dear friend,

How could we have done more for you?

Oh Donald, our dear friend,

We are so sad.

Oh Donald, our dear friend

The help was there but you were never ready.

Oh Donald, our dear friend,

Tough love was not enough either.

Oh Donald, our dear friend,

We know that you tried but the disease is unforgiving.

Oh Donald, our dear friend,

We will miss our lunchtime camaraderie and your special blessings at our Seder and dinner table.

Oh Donald, our dear friend,

From our friendship begun in 1980 till now, we never understood your pain.

Oh Donald, our dear friend

And we still don’t have a clue.

Oh Donald, our dear friend.

Maryrose and I love you and will miss you and pray that you are finally at peace.

Oh Donald………God bless you.