I've been lucky in my life to have had two great fathers-in-law. Charles and Harry were both as easy-going and as sweet a person as you will ever meet. They always had a smile and a story for you and were always ready to listen to yours. Both had learned a lot about life and wanted you to have the benefit of that experience. And they cared about me.
Don Crooks wasn’t related to me like the other two. He was the father of the guy who married my son’s sister-in-law. And he lived 2,000 miles from me. But when we visited, he and wife Irene made sure we were invited to their home for holidays and any other opportunity we could make.
If you were in Don’s house, you were part of the family. Not because he was lonely. He and Irene had raised (forgive the guesstimate) 10 kids and had welcomed, maybe, 5 times that many grandkids. Everyone in Don’s world was shown the same generosity and love. It reflected in his entire family.
He always remembered my name and couldn’t have been happier to share his food, drink – even Christmas presents. Don was the guy with the twinkle in his eye and a party hat on his head. He had one hand stirring whatever was going to be supper and always made sure your wine glass was full. You weren’t going to sit quietly in the corner of his table.
Don left this earth yesterday, long after the doctors had predicted he would. He passed at his home, with his family near. He was in no hurry to go. Too much to learn. Too much to say. I wish I could have spent more time with you, Don. They make the good ones in such small quantities.
Labels: family
