Remembrance.
I will not be preparing a special 9/11 Post. For me, it’s not necessary. I wrote one last year, and the fact is that I carry the memory of that day with me every day. I suspect that most people do, particularly those of us who lived close to the carnage.
I did not spend this day attending any 9/11 ceremonies. Rather, I spent today attending the funeral of my brother-in-law, Ted, whom I have known and lived in the same town with for the past 34 or so years. He had been suffering from multiple medical problems for the past several months, and the problems cumulated and became, at the end, impossible to treat.
To the world, he was a regular guy, who worked hard for years until he was able to retire. During the Korean War he was drafted, and, like millions of others before and since, he showed up and did his duty honorably. However, while he may have been a regular guy to the world at large, he was a very special guy to his family. He leaves behind his wife, two grown daughters, a son and a brand new daughter-in-law (he made it to the wedding a month ago), all of whom loved him very much, and he loved them back. They did him proud.
His other love was baseball. He regularly attended local baseball games, and it didn’t matter whether the players were seven or seventeen. He just loved the game. He was particularly blessed when his son excelled at baseball in high school and college. I don’t believe that he missed any of those games. Later when his son became a college baseball coach, you could always find Ted at the game, giving “pointers†to his son and to the players.
He would have been pleased to know that his son’s college baseball team showed up at the wake with a signed baseball and a team jersey emblazoned with the number “1.â€
I wish him an eternity of good weather, close games and a comfortable seat behind home plate.
Sorry for your loss Jim. My prayers for his family and friends.
Comment by Tammi — September 11, 2004 @ 7:27 pm
… it’s good that you have such memories of him, Jim… in the end, we all go.. and, all we leave are our loved ones remembering us..
..a beautiful tribute like this means he was a very special man..
all the best to you and yours…
Comment by Eric — September 11, 2004 @ 7:52 pm
I’m sorry to hear that, Jim. I’m thinking of you and your family…
Comment by Sarah — September 12, 2004 @ 2:42 am
I am sorry for you and the family’s loss. It sounds like he was a special guy. Treasure the memories.
Comment by bogie — September 12, 2004 @ 8:43 am
Jim, I am sorry to hear of your loss, and appreciate your taking the time to share him with us. Know that you and all the family are in my thoughts.
Comment by Laughing Wolf — September 12, 2004 @ 10:44 am
Sorry to hear about Ted. My thoughts are with the family.
Comment by cousin annie — September 12, 2004 @ 2:22 pm
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
In addition, while at the heavenly baseball game, may his beer be cold and his hot dogs fresh.
Rest in Peace Ted.
Comment by John — September 13, 2004 @ 3:44 pm
I want to thank you all for your kind words and your thoughtfulness. I appreciate it very much. I will send this link to Ted’s children.
Comment by Jim - Parkway Rest Stop — September 13, 2004 @ 9:17 pm
I wanted to extend my sympathies for you and your family. I am so sorry to read about the death of your brother in law. {{{hugs}}} to you and your family.
Comment by Kate — September 14, 2004 @ 7:57 am
Thank you all for your kind words.
My father was a very special man to many and I know his passion for life and family live on in me and my sisters.
Comment by Dave S. — September 14, 2004 @ 9:56 am
Thanks Uncle Jim for the fine tribute and for all of the support from your faithful readers.
Comment by Ted's daughter-Diane S. — September 14, 2004 @ 7:47 pm
What a wonderful tribute to my dad! Thanks, Uncle Jimmy
Comment by Karen S — September 14, 2004 @ 8:35 pm
Im sorry I was not able to make it to the services. Please know Uncle Teddy had and always will have a special place in my heart. My prayers are with you all!
Comment by Denise Sawicki — September 15, 2004 @ 9:13 am