"Graduation"

                
               *July 1, 2014*
  In his loving memory, I write.
            
  A very dear friend passed on this morning at 2:18 AM. He was the tender age of eighty-three years and ninety-seven days.
  He was preceded in death by two sons, seven and ten years prior, and his lovely wife two years ago.
  You could say, I am his only surviving (adopted) family member.
        
  The last friend to see him alive, in physical form, just yesterday. I stopped by the hospital on the way home from work. He was recovering from surgery, looking good, doing well. We spoke of 'bushes' I had trimmed at his house, and shared some laughs. Yes, he had the gift of humor.
  It seems a blood clot robbed him of future entertainment.

  He was an Air Force veteran, loving husband, doting father, and dedicated employee until retirement in 1997.

  He and his angelic bride were married nearly sixty years. They reared two sons, who both grew into successful, married men, though neither had children.
  Their lineage now reunited in the great beyond. A family reunion where spirits celebrate their graduation from this gravity laden sphere.
  
  He was my (adopted) Dad, close friend, buddy, confidant, mentor, neighbor and routine dinner guest.

  He is greatly missed, already.

  I weep, and smile, and celebrate.
  "Congratulations on this, your graduation."
            
               *July 1, 2014*
  In his loving memory, I write.