Just As I Feared

Will's father passed away over the weekend. I knew it was only a matter of time but still I was saddened by the news.

Will's dad always remembered by as Will's drunk friend. Long story short, it goes back to a party at Will's sisters house where I just sat quietly drinking beer. I never got wasted or loud. I just sat there drinking beer and bullshitting with Will's dad. He thought it was fun and we had a good old time. According to Will, his dad never forgot that day. His dad was always asking about The Pope, The Drunk Guy.

In retrospect it's funnier now. Right around my legal woes and depression, Will's father asked how I was doing. Will didn't tell him anything about my DWI.

He just said,"Dad he doesn't drink anymore."

"Aaah, like your drunk little cousin, they caught him drinking and driving? Didn't they?"

In a dark moment, despite my depression and situation, Will's dad's simple question and inquiry made me laugh. Despite my situation, I appreciated the thought, the understanding and the humor which he showed the situation.

One more story in remembrance of Will's old man. I wasn't in the car that day but he picked up Will and a bunch of our friends up after school. We were in middle school at the time and the guys had gotten a hold of a Playboy or Penthouse. They were in the backseat looking at it and laughing. Finally after a while, Will's dad just stopped and said,"I don't know what you have back there but there is a lot of giggling going on. Whatever it is it better have tits!"

So long sir. You left an imprint on my life through your humor and understanding of me. Also you brought a true friend into my life through your son Will. Will is a living testimony to your hard work and way of life. Me and Will grew up on the same street and went to school from elementary all the way to the University. In my darkest hour, he was one of the people who came through for me in a huge way.

Rest in peace. I'm praying for strength and comfort for your family. I know all your children and be proud you raised them well.

God Bless,
The Pope