and a brown bird sang in an apple tree

My dear friend Rocky.  You welcomed us.  You welcomed me.  We hung out together and shared the joys of my kids.  We talked.  We laughed.  We walked.  And you gently taught me the ways of unconditional love.  I didn’t trust it at first because I hadn’t had a friendship so meaningful and fulfilling, and I could hardly believe a soul could be so generous.  Thank you.

I said goodbye today and I don’t want to.  I want to see you drive up and let the dogs out while we frantically get ready for our walk to the beach.    I want to drive over and have lunch with you, just hanging and chatting.   I want to see you with Judy and feel the love, respect and care you have between you.

I will always tell Liam and Rory about their ‘Gabriola Grandpa’, about the bird feeders you filled together and walking with you at the beach.  About carving pumpkins last year.  About Rory bonding with you so readily… Liam in his own way, too.

You’ve walked beside me so many times, I’ll choose to believe that you’re still there.