For My Dad

1961 - Senior picture

My dad and my brother Jeremy left eastern Washington this morning to visit my sister Melanie in Montana. They stopped for a break at a truck stop in Post Falls, Idaho, and used the restroom. Jeremy told Dad he would wait out in the restaurant area for him and left the restroom. As he waited, he noticed men running into the restroom. My dad had collapsed and passed away. Two retired paramedics happened to be in the truck stop and with Jeremy's help, did what they could, but they were unable to revive him.

I was standing in line with Brennan at the Social Security office downtown when I got the call from my sister Melanie. I was worrying about my other kids' school day ending and hoping I would be home by the time Harrison walked home, and be able to pick up Rosalind on time at her school. I was busily arranging and texting and calling the kids and their schools to leave messages, when I had a text from Melanie about our brother BC calling me. I told her he hadn't, so she called and gave me the news.

Obviously we were completely blindsided by this. Dad had been in bad health but hadn't seen a doctor or taken any medication for any of his medical conditions for several years - he was just that way. He was only 71 years old.

Dad, we love and miss you.