I just ate a dark chocolate bar. They're gritty and not as sweet or smooth as regular chocolate bars. I dislike them a great deal for that, but my dad, he likes them for exactly those reasons. I thought maybe I could tell myself I liked them while I ate that one, but, no. You're wrong, Pop, those things suck.He died about an hour ago, my dad. I've mentioned here once or twice when I was a kid my parents weren't around much, but what I've never said is that as I got older my dad became one of the best friends I'll ever have and took care of me in a way I can only hope he knew I appreciated more than I could ever express.
You know why he was great? When I was unable to work or do much else, he saw me through it. He hugged me the first time I got my heart broken.
Oh wait, I can make this on topic, when Superman dying was in the papers and he heard it was selling out and hard to find, he went out and found me two copies of the bagged issue. He'd heard that it was more valuable sealed but he also want to see what was inside, heh. He didn't say so, but I've long suspected he paid way too much for them. When the electric Superman thing made the news, he saw it and said, "That's pretty stupid. We think that's stupid, right?" I assured him we did.
He never once laughed at the comic books and toys. In fact, my favorite story about him-
Once he and my mother were driving along and they go by a garage sale. My dad glances out the window and keeps driving then comes to a sudden halt and turns the car around. My mom freaks out and says "What's the matter!?" They stop at the garage sale and my dad says, "I saw a toy Tommy would want." And he did. Driving down the road, at a glance my dad some how recognized and knew I would want a Snake Mountain, Skeletor's evil lair. I can't even begin to imagine how he'd remember that thing from when I was a kid, but he did. So he brings his 22 year old son a big plastic playset for no other reason then he figured I'd think it was neat and the whole thing was so matter of fact to him. My mom was proud of him. I was impressed and it was a pretty big thing to me in a way I can't explain. But yeah. He was pretty damned cool some times.
I got my sarcasm and dark humor from him and those are the things a lot of people like best about me. I'm writing this here because I'm going to see my family soon, and it's going to be depressing and will suck and every one is going to be taking things ways too seriously. Way more seriously than he ever would. Since I can't play it for him any where else, I'm gonna share this song with you guys, because he thought it was hilarious.

17 comments:
That's a great story.
I'm sorry for your loss, btw.
That's rough man. Best wishes.
My condolences :(
He sounds like a really cool guy. Thanks for telling us about him.
I'm really sorry, Thomas.
Dark chocolate is an acquired taste. It's a strange bitter thing that seems to add a smile to your face. Not matter how bitter the chocolate. It's coffee substitute, the dark sunrise.
It's a good reminder of the things in the past.
Your dad sounds like a hell of a man. I hope you never grieve, but remember.
I'm so sorry for your loss, man - Thanks for sharing with us your memories of him.
Best wishes,
J.
I'm really sorry for your loss Thomas. I wish you and yours all the best.
I'm sorry, Tommy. I love the fact that you chose to share with us some of your favorite memories of your dad, though. That's how I would prefer to be mourned (or not mourned, however you choose to define it) when I'm gone.
--Eugene
My condolences, and thanks for the stories.
Oh, Thomas, I'm so sorry to hear this. I wish for peace for you and your family.
Hey, man, lots of love.
I'm really sorry to hear this. Best wishes, Tommy.
A remarkable man from everything you tell. He has earned his rest. As you've earned the outpour of condolences here and everywhere for comfort. Stay strong with the family.
Thomas, you're doing the right thing in remembering your Dad as he lived, rather than grieving his loss.
My thoughts are with you.
Carissa
My condolences, Thomas. Hang in there, buddy.
John Dee
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