Dearest Oso,
The words are not coming easily. I thought they would. You were eloquent and clever. Quick-witted and sharp. Loving and caring. You were gruff and kind. You needed to teach lessons. And we needed to learn. You saved lives on mountains, in boardrooms, and living rooms. You loved a good fight, to test your mind, and voice your opinions. We are sorry you are gone. And we are thankful for our time together. Thank you for showing us the way and not dragging us down the path behind you.
Your last lesson to me: Do it for yourself. The idea is not selfish. It is a directed, focused view. If you don’t pursue things for yourself, while still helping others whenever you can, you will never be happy. Live life with this in mind and you are onto something.
I met you as a child and dodged foam rocks from you, as Mr. Putnam. I learned life lessons driving cross-country and spending time in the mountains with you, as “Bear”. You became family as “Oso”. And then I lost you both as a loving grandfather to me and glowing great-grandfather to our little girl Amaya.
With salty tears and loving memories, your love is celebrated.
Photograph courtesy of Shirley Willard
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