I recently came across something I wrote a year after my dad died. It was about his own friend dying many years earlier, and I had to be the one to tell him.
Discovered the story again, and it still kicks me in the gut, but maybe, I thought, it was because it was my dad, our story.
So I sent it to an editor to consider for publication, and Purple Clover bought it and published on Father’s Day.
A long time ago, I had to tell my Dad his buddy died, and his jovial response surprised me. Until years later, I was jealous, and wondered if he was too.
Read it here, at Purple Clover, whom I am grateful thought this was a story worth telling.
Thanks for reading and sharing, even when I’m not so funny.
Such a beautiful, moving tribute! I dread the day when my father joins the friends and relatives who have died before him. Thanks for your honest feelings and for sharing your dad’s honest reaction to his friend’s passing. We need more discussions like this. And congratulations on having it on Purple Clover!
Thx kindly for the read, and generous comment. Much appreciated!
I am grateful for the cherished memories of Mike your writing provided my soul. Colette Zito, Pawling
Thank you so much for reading, remembering, forgiving the foul mouth (mine and his), and loving!