Wednesday, February 27, 2013

And so we move on.

So, just when I recommitted myself to my home here, the universe decided to throw the proverbial poo in the fan and I had to take an unexpected hiatus.  Sorry.  I lied without the comfort of pre-meditation, which usually gives me time to fine-tune my tall tales. 

My Father-in-law, after many years of defying the odds and staying optimistic when staying optimistic made no sense, died a few weeks ago. 

This was a man who has been sick for the entire 18 years that I have known him, yet he rarely complained, rarely felt sorry for himself, and rarely let those around him know when he was feeling less than stellar, which was pretty much always. 
He was the most honest, forgiving soul that I have ever known.  After knowing him only a short time, I was easily able to see where the Mr. got both his rare and true ability to not give a shit what people think about him, as well as his innate inclination to see the best in even the most awful human beings.  My Father-in-law, in these 18 years, only twice indicated that he, indeed, did not like someone, and both times I totally understood why he felt the need to vocalize that which he normally kept to himself.  One was someone who, in a very short time, dragged a close family member (as well as the family) through the mud with their selfishness and total disregard for humans in general.  The other had brought doubt onto my Father-in-law's character many years ago, and knowing how impeccable his character was, I get it.  Some things are unforgivable, and crimes against family and reputation fall into this category.
He was a better person than most of us can ever hope to be.  This has been a challenging time for all involved. 
But, we move on.  We figure shit out.  We find a way to fill that void.  Having lost a parent myself, I get it.  No matter how it happens, it's never easy.  If you're lucky, this was the person that protected you from the ugliness of the world as long as they could.  If you're lucky, they made you feel special when everyone else told you otherwise.  If you're lucky, they never judged and helped you along even when they knew you were probably going to fall on your ass.  If you're lucky, they knew when you needed to learn a lesson but were there to comfort you anyways.  And, unfortunately, they generally die before we do, which we all think we are prepared for, yet we rarely are.

So, I apologize for yet another absence, but I think you'll forgive me.  And, given my Father-in-law's general "do what makes you happy" attitude, I shall be back in full force, my nuggets.  Maybe a re-design of the site is in order, maybe costumes will be involved. 

Regardless of the details, the time, it is a-tickin', and we need to make the most of every fucking moment.  Hug your people, hug your furry nuggets, hug your bus driver (but don't squeeze their bum- trust me, that never ends well).  Because, as cliche' as it sounds, putting stuff off until tomorrow may not pan out so well- sometimes there isn't a "tomorrow".  Sometimes all you have is that moment where you have a chance to create a memory, and for better or for worse, you need to grab that motherfucking moment and create the shit out of it. 
Dammit.

Now, go out and embrace the crap out of the day, you awesome little nuggets of magic.  You make today your bitch. ok?