Thursday, March 31, 2022
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I wrote to Don a couple of months ago when I was searching for a way to express the amazing impact he has had on my life. I feel blessed that I was able to share how I felt with him and he was able to tell me how much it meant to him. I want to share what I wrote here, so that others may also know the beauty of his soul.
What does it mean to be family? I’ve contemplated that question most of my life. It took me some time to internalize that biology is not even close to the most important thing. What is most important is knowing the unconditional love and acceptance of belonging. You taught me that and you are my family. I’ve been thinking about how you constructed your life taking care of children in so many ways, as a dad and grandpa; when other fathers fell short, you humbly stepped in to bridge the void. My brothers, my children, and I are some of the blessed ones that have received your gift. You were there on the day of my birth. You loved me as if I was yours from my first breath, unconditionally. I had dark curly hair when I was born, just like you, and the nurses naturally assumed I was yours. Although you quickly corrected them, they were right. Sometimes I still can’t believe how blessed I am to find you in my heart. You made the sacrifices of a dad patiently, while loving so deeply that your heart was never whole because part of it has always been with me.
My children know Don as Grandpa Don. He taught us that you are never too old to be a kid at heart. I honestly can’t say who had more fun on our video chats over the last couple of years. We experienced a relationship that was pure magic, laughing ourselves to tears. We can’t look at our silly photos without laughing and those are the memories we will cherish most. Hopefully he will forgive me for posting some of them here, but I think they will bring joy to many. We will hold Grandpa Don in our hearts. His humor, his encouragement, and his compassion are a part of us. He is my greatest teacher of what is important in life and he will always be my most special chosen dad.
Love always,
Linda
