On shedding my Dad
I’m so sorry for going darkish these previous couple of months, which concurrently have felt like a number of the longest of my life and likewise like no time has handed in any respect. The explanation for that’s as a result of we misplaced my Dad over Thanksgiving. I haven’t been capable of carry myself to write down a submit about it, however I additionally haven’t been capable of carry myself to write down anything both. Even determining what the title of this submit ought to be was too onerous. I nonetheless haven’t discovered what phrases really feel palatable sufficient to explain the truth that he’s now not right here and what my household has been by.
I do know I’ve all the time been an open guide, writing about deeply private matters within the hopes that my expertise will help another person, however household is so sophisticated, and the concept of writing any extra about this simply appears like an excessive amount of. So I assume the whole level of this submit is to elucidate my absence and to additionally say I’ll be again right here on the weblog quickly writing about many matters (I feel it would really feel good to get again into the swing of issues) however at the moment, I don’t plan to write down any extra about this one.
On the flip aspect, posting on Instagram has felt extra “regular” to me, for no matter motive– so within the meantime, you’ll be able to all the time discover me there @jesskeys_
Till then, I hope the phrases I shared on my Instagram submit will help you recognize Bob Keys just a bit:
Dad, thanks for every little thing. Thanks for educating me that it’s best to all the time chase the great issues in life. The way to be courageous, how you can all the time preserve going and to all the time have causes to smile.
Folks all the time described you as “bigger than life” and I don’t suppose there’s a extra correct method to sum you up.
You had been magnetic—the lifetime of any (and I imply ANY) celebration, the star of Dad’s Weekend whenever you confirmed up in your cowboy boots and moose vest and crushed everybody at beer pong.
You taught us how you can water ski, to place ketchup on tacos, you ripped up each dance flooring, laughed massive stomach laughs as you drove the boat throwing everybody off the ocean biscuit. I had by no means met anybody who wore shorter shorts (till I met Neal, how becoming.)
You all the time smelled like authentic Outdated Spice aftershave and spearmint gum. There wasn’t something you couldn’t do, and no person you really liked greater than your ladies (mother included) and your grandkids. No person might give a greater hug. That’s what I’ll miss probably the most.
This weekend, all who love you may be cracking Coors Lights, making popcorn and listening to Willie Nelson and Don Williams. (If I had any unlawful fireworks I’d mild a few of these too however that’s frowned upon in Chicago.)
I like you Dad. You may be with me, all the time. I’m so grateful for all the great instances we had collectively and for the life you gave us. Like our favourite Don Williams tune goes, “my love for you’ll by no means die.” ♥️
Thanks on your steady variety phrases, love and persistence.
(And particularly for the dm’s you’ve been sending me with footage of yourselves ingesting Coors Gentle in his honor. ♥️ How did I get so fortunate to have such an exquisite help system?)
See you again right here quickly, and cheers to Bob.
Love, Jess
