The sun cast its long shadows over the old Milltown football field today. As I walked through it, memories of Dad's stories from his high school days washed over me. The way he described it, the freshly cut grass, the echoing cheers - it's all become so vivid in my mind, like I was there with him.
I could almost hear Coach Thompson's voice, the way Dad mimicked him, "Langquest! Keep your eye on the ball!" Dad would always chuckle, saying how tough Coach Thompson was but also how much he owed to that rigorous training. It instilled in him a discipline and work ethic that he passed down to me.
I found myself sitting on the stands with 'The Alchemist' - a book Dad loved and gifted me on my 16th birthday. Its tale of pursuing dreams and recognizing omens echoed so many of the stories Dad would share. It brought back memories of the summer he'd often reminisce about, the one in '98 when he and Mom went on that epic cross-country road trip.
Speaking of dreams, Dad's bakery is still thriving. Today, a young boy, probably around ten, pressed his face against the window, eyes filled with wonder looking at the chocolate eclairs. It made me smile, thinking of the stories Dad told of his younger days, gazing at Mr. Alvarez's bakery. It's heartwarming to see his dream continue to touch others.
Dinner at Grandma's tonight felt nostalgic. Her meatloaf, Dad's favorite, filled the room with familiar aromas. We sat on the porch afterward, her stories of Dad as a young boy, his guitar, and nights spent under the stars, brought him so close once more.
Later, I found myself pulling out Dad's old guitar, trying to strum a few tunes he used to play. Every note felt like a connection, a bridge to him, an embrace of the past, and a hope to keep his legacy alive.
Life without Dad has its moments of profound longing, but days like these ground me, reminding me of the wonderful legacy he left behind and the path he hoped I'd pave. Until tomorrow...
My little boy will grow one day to become a big boy and he will learn of you, his grandfather that he will never get to meet, the grandfather whom he was named after.
I've always been a person to keep my feelings locked up, never letting my guard down, and never showing weakness, but this will be a great place to open up a little, to reflect on not only the things that I miss, but also the things that I am truly grateful for... Like your amazing little grandson you will never get to meet, he lights up Gaby and my world, has a contagious smile and is like the energizer bunny, always moving and constantly exploring uncharted territory! I will make sure he knows what a wonderful person you were.I keep your picture on my desk, I look to it often for inspiration and for guidance. Wish you were here to be part of my life, to celebrate all the amazing times, to be there for support during all the difficult times and to be there to mentor me during all the confusing times. Tom and I are still looking over mom, she has been fighting cancer for some five years now, but she is a tough woman and a fighter as you know. Miss you, wish you were here. I know you would still be my number one fan today, just like you were when I was a child.. Love You and miss you Dad.
I have to admit, I'm still in disbelief you are no longer with us. When Ford passed, I will never forget you called to tell me the horrible news and as much as my heart sunk that day, you were able to give it strength and this became the thesis for your life's work. To receive this same call for you has really crushed my soul and spirit, but I ask myself, what would Josh do in a time like this? I always admired the person you grew to become and the lives you were able to touch along your journey. I will always remember you as you as my first childhood friend, linking up to play G.I. Joes and climb trees. We just spoke a couple weeks ago, we made plans to go climbing this summer because you would be home... I will always think of you when I'm exploring this glorious earth... will let you know if I find anything cool! As we grew older, our lives took us many different ways, but we always maintained that inseparable bond that we developed as children. We grew up so close, were raised in that little ol town of Basking Ridge, came up through t-ball and wrestling and school together, kept in contact throughout the years... I didn't have to talk to you every day or every week or every month... but I always knew the heart you had and new it was always out there doing the best it could possibly do for this world! I promise to live a life that you would be proud of and I'll see you on the other side my friend! xox
Hope things are nice where you are. Say hi to dad for me.
I was lucky enough to take my family to Margaritaville in Hollywood, FL last year. Majestic to say the least! We even got a visit from Mike and his family! Rest in Peace Jimmy
"We will miss you, you will never be forgotten."
I miss coming home from school and hearing the sounds of your beautiful music from the driveway.
Jimmy
teseting
Tom and I will miss you more than words mom... I wish we had more time
King of hearts
Thank you for everything you gave me in the short time I had you. Love you Dad.
Going to miss you friend... the way you inspired so many was an inspiration to me!
Legends never die
Always missing you!
You were a gentleman and a scholar!
Our deepest sympathies, to Cody and his loved ones -Eternal Flame
<3 <3 <3 Miss you grandma <3 <3 <3
Love you grandma, miss sliding my mattress down the stairs :(
Missing you today. Just wanted to show you some love <3
Happy Mother's Day. From the World!
Thinking of you princess. Happy Mother's Day.
Sharing some light from Earth as in Heaven -From your Son
Sharing some light from Earth as in Heaven -From your Son
Sharing some light from Earth as in Heaven -From your Son
Rock On
USA
...in remembrance of your kind soul - Eternal Flame
Lit this for you...
Some text...
Best Chef Ever <3
Praying for your famiy. -MR
1 Love Brother - MR
Rest In Heaven, Kobe. Thanks for your impact on my life. -MR
You were an inspiration to me Greg. Thanks for all that you've done.
Miss you grandpa, thinking of you always... -Michael
Love you dad, I remember when you gave this to me. Wish you were here so I can hug you one last time. -Tom
Hope things are nice where you are. Say hi to dad for me.
I was lucky enough to take my family to Margaritaville in Hollywood, FL last year. Majestic to say the least! We even got a visit from Mike and his family! Rest in Peace Jimmy
"We will miss you, you will never be forgotten."
I miss coming home from school and hearing the sounds of your beautiful music from the driveway.
Jimmy
teseting
Tom and I will miss you more than words mom... I wish we had more time
King of hearts
Thank you for everything you gave me in the short time I had you. Love you Dad.
Going to miss you friend... the way you inspired so many was an inspiration to me!
Legends never die
Always missing you!
You were a gentleman and a scholar!
Our deepest sympathies, to Cody and his loved ones -Eternal Flame
<3 <3 <3 Miss you grandma <3 <3 <3
Love you grandma, miss sliding my mattress down the stairs :(
Missing you today. Just wanted to show you some love <3
Happy Mother's Day. From the World!
Thinking of you princess. Happy Mother's Day.
Sharing some light from Earth as in Heaven -From your Son
Sharing some light from Earth as in Heaven -From your Son
Sharing some light from Earth as in Heaven -From your Son
Rock On
USA
...in remembrance of your kind soul - Eternal Flame
Lit this for you...
Some text...
Best Chef Ever <3
Praying for your famiy. -MR
1 Love Brother - MR
Rest In Heaven, Kobe. Thanks for your impact on my life. -MR
You were an inspiration to me Greg. Thanks for all that you've done.
Miss you grandpa, thinking of you always... -Michael
Love you dad, I remember when you gave this to me. Wish you were here so I can hug you one last time. -Tom
The sun cast its long shadows over the old Milltown football field today. As I walked through it, memories of Dad's stories from his high school days washed over me. The way he described it, the freshly cut grass, the echoing cheers - it's all become so vivid in my mind, like I was there with him.
I could almost hear Coach Thompson's voice, the way Dad mimicked him, "Langquest! Keep your eye on the ball!" Dad would always chuckle, saying how tough Coach Thompson was but also how much he owed to that rigorous training. It instilled in him a discipline and work ethic that he passed down to me.
I found myself sitting on the stands with 'The Alchemist' - a book Dad loved and gifted me on my 16th birthday. Its tale of pursuing dreams and recognizing omens echoed so many of the stories Dad would share. It brought back memories of the summer he'd often reminisce about, the one in '98 when he and Mom went on that epic cross-country road trip.
Speaking of dreams, Dad's bakery is still thriving. Today, a young boy, probably around ten, pressed his face against the window, eyes filled with wonder looking at the chocolate eclairs. It made me smile, thinking of the stories Dad told of his younger days, gazing at Mr. Alvarez's bakery. It's heartwarming to see his dream continue to touch others.
Dinner at Grandma's tonight felt nostalgic. Her meatloaf, Dad's favorite, filled the room with familiar aromas. We sat on the porch afterward, her stories of Dad as a young boy, his guitar, and nights spent under the stars, brought him so close once more.
Later, I found myself pulling out Dad's old guitar, trying to strum a few tunes he used to play. Every note felt like a connection, a bridge to him, an embrace of the past, and a hope to keep his legacy alive.
Life without Dad has its moments of profound longing, but days like these ground me, reminding me of the wonderful legacy he left behind and the path he hoped I'd pave. Until tomorrow...
My little boy will grow one day to become a big boy and he will learn of you, his grandfather that he will never get to meet, the grandfather whom he was named after.
I've always been a person to keep my feelings locked up, never letting my guard down, and never showing weakness, but this will be a great place to open up a little, to reflect on not only the things that I miss, but also the things that I am truly grateful for... Like your amazing little grandson you will never get to meet, he lights up Gaby and my world, has a contagious smile and is like the energizer bunny, always moving and constantly exploring uncharted territory! I will make sure he knows what a wonderful person you were.I keep your picture on my desk, I look to it often for inspiration and for guidance. Wish you were here to be part of my life, to celebrate all the amazing times, to be there for support during all the difficult times and to be there to mentor me during all the confusing times. Tom and I are still looking over mom, she has been fighting cancer for some five years now, but she is a tough woman and a fighter as you know. Miss you, wish you were here. I know you would still be my number one fan today, just like you were when I was a child.. Love You and miss you Dad.
I have to admit, I'm still in disbelief you are no longer with us. When Ford passed, I will never forget you called to tell me the horrible news and as much as my heart sunk that day, you were able to give it strength and this became the thesis for your life's work. To receive this same call for you has really crushed my soul and spirit, but I ask myself, what would Josh do in a time like this? I always admired the person you grew to become and the lives you were able to touch along your journey. I will always remember you as you as my first childhood friend, linking up to play G.I. Joes and climb trees. We just spoke a couple weeks ago, we made plans to go climbing this summer because you would be home... I will always think of you when I'm exploring this glorious earth... will let you know if I find anything cool! As we grew older, our lives took us many different ways, but we always maintained that inseparable bond that we developed as children. We grew up so close, were raised in that little ol town of Basking Ridge, came up through t-ball and wrestling and school together, kept in contact throughout the years... I didn't have to talk to you every day or every week or every month... but I always knew the heart you had and new it was always out there doing the best it could possibly do for this world! I promise to live a life that you would be proud of and I'll see you on the other side my friend! xox