Wipe Away the Tears

June 16, 2005. John Hollander died this date. Cancer
I cried today because I’m a little selfish. I enjoyed doing things with John and that has been taken away. I’m not much on self-pity so I wiped away the tears.
I cried for Kelly because I know there is going to be a profound change in her life. Kelly was born with a fiesty spirit and I know she will carve out a great life for her family. No doubts! So I wiped away the tears.
I cried for Grant and Mitchell who will not be able to share their achievements and successes with John. Kelly and Carlos will provide all the encouragement needed. Grant and Mitchell are in good hands. So I wiped away the tears.
I cried for all the friends and family that John touched. He was a kind, giving, and gentle soul. He could not help but make all our lives a little better. He liked sports, gardens, flowers, John Deere tractors and things that reminded him of his early farm days. How can you be disheartened having known a man like that. So I wiped away the tears.
John lives in all of the memories that linger in our hearts and minds. He lives in a better place. I can’t help but think that John will reach down occassionally to nudge the ones he loves in a positive way. So I wiped away the tears.
I will not say good-bye because I know we will meet again. That thought consoles me and once and for all, I wipe away the tears.
Love,
Dad