It was yesterday actually.
I found out my best friend from my childhood lost his father last Friday. The funeral was Sunday and I didn't know so I missed it. I actually read about it on Facebook and had to explain to my wife and kids why I was sitting at the table crying.
His name was Ronnie and he truly was like a father to me. My dad was on the road all the time working and once I became best friends with his son, Ronnie treated my like his son. It was this family who took me along on a summer trip from central Texas to Arlington in 1979 to see my first (and second) Rangers game as part of a doubleheader against the White Sox. Ronnie used to tell us to "be good boys and stay out of trouble" all the time. Well Ronnie, I hope I made you proud because I tried to do just that.
I feel bad that I missed the funeral, but even worse that I hadn't seen Ronnie in about 10 years. It's not that I didn't have the chance, but I just didn't make the time. He only lived about 3 hours from me in the same small town I grew up in and I just didn't make the time to go down and visit. I regret that now, but I hope to not make the same mistake with other people I know. Other people that are important to me.
Thanks for standing in for my father when he couldn't be there for me. I'll miss you Ronnie.
Sorry to hear about your friends Dad. He sounds like a great person.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the loss.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss. He sounds like a great guy and I'm sure he understood.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss. I felt the same way about a high school teacher. I never have met my dad, so my high school debate coach was always there in my ear making sure I was making the right decisions. Then one day about 15 years ago -- before everyone communicated by e-mail -- my mom calls and says, "did you hear Gary died? The funeral was yesterday."
ReplyDeleteNope, I hadn't heard. And I missed the funeral. And I regret it to this day.
Sorry to hear of your loss
ReplyDeleteRonnie was obviously a great influence on you. So sorry to hear you're hurting. Don't be too hard on yourself.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear. I had two good friends lose their fathers over the last two weeks and I have been too busy in my own little world to realize it until it has been too late. One was one of my best friends from high school that I haven't talked to in at least five years and he lives just a half hour from me. I finally tracked down his number and had a good talk with him that should have just happened normally and multiple times over the past five years. Instead it took his father's passing just for me to pick up the phone.
ReplyDeleteLike Julie said, don't be hard on yourself. I know it is easier said than done. Move forward and learn from it and try not to let yourself be put in that position again. That is what I have told myself, at least.
Thanks everyone. Your words are much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss. Keep with you those great memories! Thanks for sharing a very personal, difficult time.
ReplyDelete