For my pops
This is for my hero
The only man I ever wanted to be like
Over 30 years of admiration
Friendship
Even when we moved away, pops was always just a Nextel chirp away
Sometimes I wish I'd picked his brain more
We spent so much time together, I had plenty of time for it
I guess the reality of mortality was lost on me
It never fully occured to me that the most dependable man I knew would pass on.
Even with health concerns, I told him "We gotta get you right...I need you around to meet my kids" and he'd reply, "Ahh..I know, I know...I think I got at least a good 10-15 more years in me"
About 2 years later...2020 Allah reminded us that He has the final say. Devastated. The greatest of planners took his physical presence away. Left us with his essence.
Now when I say "his spirit lives on" I mean it literally. Because spiritually, he touched countless among us.
He left lessons, love and an impression larger than life. Spanning far beyond his 57 years, 2 months and 3 days. Please understand, pops is in my firm grip & eye contact when I shake a man's hand. With me when I work hard, lift weights or take care of my fam. When I "use the right tool for the job" or "think with the bigger head". When I observe the sidewalk rule or take out the trash so the girls never have to. When I attract an aligned crowd because the vibe comes natural. That's all him.
And I know beyond an inkling of doubt that he loves his grandkids...even the ones who didn't get to meet him here. 6 kids and 6 grands...Proud of his living legacy, I see his smile on all our faces when we gather especially..around that table. "Family first" was his mantra and he exemplified it with every breath while he was able.
So I celebrate that victory. Remember him fondly...vividly. Feel his presence daily. Mirror his best moves to the best of my ability. Now even when the grief tries to creep in, the love dominates it..overtakes with...
Over 30 years of admiration
Friendship.
Alhamdulillah for my pops
