My good friend Matt’s father passed away on Monday.  Mr. Smith was a great father.  Mr. Smith was a family man – always there for his wife and two children. He was very involved in drumline throughout our high school careers.  When Matt went on to the Bluecoats, Mr. Smith was right there with him, always very encouraging and kind.  He was a handyman, and volunteered for the band as much as he could and helped by constructing all sorts of props.  I know Mr. Smith and Matt were very close.  Losing your father would be hard whether or not you were close to him, but I can only imagine that it’s that much harder when you have a very close relationship.  

I hope Mrs. Smith will be okay.  They were married 38 years.  After spending approximately 13,870 days with one person it would be an enormous adjustment to be alone.  Sleeping at night without a warm body next to you would be awful.  At least Matt still lives at home and they can keep each other company. 

After only four months of marriage I can’t imagine life without Bryan, as much as we may drive each other crazy.  After thirty-eight years and two children, that idea is just unfathomable.  

So today, and this week, I am very thankful for what I have.  I am thankful for Bryan.  I am thankful for my two parents and four siblings.  I am lucky that we’re all here for each other.