He won’t be changing a flat car tire and telling the security personnel he will be on his way as soon as possible on a quiet desert highway near Los Alamos.
He won’t be counting out my babysitting wages from the secretary cabinet in the front room.
He won’t be returning filled brown bags of “leftovers” to the irresponsible dog walkers from the next block.
He won’t be telling me my split as I climb out of the swimming pool.
He won’t be building his kids forts in the backyard.
He won’t be mowing neat rows of grass in the ubiquitous maroon t-shirt.
He won’t be hiking any more trails or fishing any more streams or enjoying any more mountain top views.
Everyone grows up, moves away. That happened, but it’s not why things are different. He won’t be doing any more of these activities because our dear family friend suddenly died. But, he will be doing one thing like all of the people who share his status. He will appear in the cherished memories of friends and family who will miss him. We will continue to honor the good influence he had on our lives for years to come.
Here’s to anyone who said an anguished final goodbye this year. The loss hurts, but one day, all of the memories won’t.
Have you lost someone you cared about recently? How will you honor your loved one? Tell me about it.
Adventures in Low Vision 
I appreciate your thoughtful response to a great man’s memory. He will always be in our memory and his family our family.
Big G
You’re right Big G!
He was always looking out for the best for us and treated us like his own daughters. I will never forget when he stepped up and said “No, she will not be riding home with you on that bike. I watched you drink a few beers, I will take her home after crab fest ends.”
What a nice tribute to his character.
I don’t know who you are talking about, and considering how much you miss him, I most likely missed out on someone good. Though August 30th was four years since my grandpa passed away, and I still feel like it was yesterday. It doesn’t get easier, but it does get better.
I agree, loss is hard.
What a lovely tribute to your friend. Sounds like he was well-loved and loved well. I lost my brother 5 years ago and my sister 12 years ago. Every Christmas I add a new cardinal ornament to my Christmas tree for my brother and an angel ornament for my sister.
What a creative way to acknowledge your siblings who have departed. I’m sorry for your loss, Genevieve, and thank you for sharing your remembrance.
My step-dad of 25 years transitioned unexpectedly into spirit just 4 months ago. I was blessed with preparing memory boards for his service and honoring him with a heart-felt obituary. Creative acts for me evolve over time. I spent many hours reflecting, sifting through digital pictures and memories, editing and embellishing my work. Tears burned my eyes. My heart burned too. I viscerally experienced the profound impact he had on my life. How do you adequately translate and portray the depth of one man’s life in 4 picture boards and 500 words? Pictures and paper alone cannot, but the heart fills in the rest 🙂
Stacey thanks for sharing your heartfelt experience. Your creative energy shined through your grief and allowed wonderful things to be created from a lifetime of love.
Lovely tribute, Susan.
Thanks, Bridget.
It seems like the older I get my mind’s wanderings take me back to the many family members who have left me over the years. I was never a sentimental person but lately just the thought of them makes me tear up. Like right now…
I am sorry for your loss and may the great healer, time, work that special magic on you and yours.
Thanks for adding that wisdom to the thread. This time of year can be a tough time for people experiencing loss.
What a nice homage to your friend. I’m sorry for your loss.
Thanks Steph. Loss creates a need to write in me.