Notes In The Margin

The experts, the scientists, the doctors and politicians, in fact, all those who are supposed to know, have told us that this will be a holiday season like no other.  We will be shuttered in our homes, facing hunger, loneliness, despair.  But most of us can see that there is a glimmer of hope in the not-too-distant future. All things will not be as they were.  Too many have been wracked with fear and uncertainty, not knowing where the next meal or mortgage payment is coming from.  A staggering number (as of this writing 280,000 in the US and 12,500 closer to home) have been torn from loved ones and the worst appears yet to come. It will be a dark winter. 

We cannot explain. 

We cannot understand and, in good conscience, there is no one to blame. 

We will never be the same.

In a phrase that was Frank’s before it was Trump’s, 

it truly “Is what it is”. 

Yet all of this should not take away from the devastation that you face from the unexpected loss that fate has laid in your path.  There is no rhyme or reason to it. Amid all of the chaos that has descended on us, you, your family and all those who knew Frank and called him a dear friend are now asked to carry this added burden. It’s not right. It’s not fair. But we have no choice but to carry on. We still have families that depend on us and they need us now more than ever.

I want to reassure you that not a day goes by that I don’t feel the loss, that I don’t carry you and the boys and all your family in my heart.  I keep a small part of all the good times (and bad) with me. It’s true that life will never be the same. The shadow of masks, social distancing and the crushing boredom of these four walls will last beyond this pandemic and for a long time to come.  

But so will Frank’s influence. 

He was a force for good that held us together. 

He bound us and inspired us. 

He was one of us and I will forever be grateful that I knew him. 

He was  DORK and I loved him.

I wish you and your family much comfort this holiday season.

When you have been given enough time to heal, I pray that the scars are not too deep, that there is peace in your heart and memories enough to sustain you.

   Dave

Lesson #98 – He Was A DORK 

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