One of the Greatest Men I Ever Knew

I would normally be writing about that retail haven that we all know and love, but a more personal blog is on order today. Please forgive my indulgence. The greatest man I have ever met did not come into my life until I was older. He made my Mother the happiest I have ever seen her, and he did it in ways that astounded me. I was never able to imagine my Mother and my Father as a couple. They were just so different by the time that I knew them both. But the love of my Mother's life was my step dad Jerry. He was truly amazing. He could make her laugh when others had run for cover, and he could stop her anger when other people were hiding in another room. He was kind, thoughtful and generous. His advice was always based on what was best for you, not on what he thought he would do. He was a very funny man, also. He was always ready to laugh, or joke when you spoke to him. He put his whole life into the people that he cared about. He took on responsibilities that others would have walked away from. He was just about as perfect a Father as you would pick out for yourself. One of my favorite memories of him involves watching him sit in my backyard. He was just sitting out there, relaxing and listening to the outdoors. He was absently scratching my dog, and smoking a cigarette. I wish that I could go back to that time every single day. I wish that I had written down every piece of advice that he ever gave me. I really do. So if your Dad is around, give him a call. Better yet, give him a hug and tell him that you love him. You'll thank me later.