To all those who wish me well, let me say this:
I am okay. I feel the best I've felt ever since my childhood. My family has healed, and we're finally reunited. I met my sister for the first time in a decade, so I hadn't seen her for half my lifetime. I got to meet my nieces today, and let me tell you, they welcomed me with open arms. They didn't question anything, they just accepted me. I have never felt so loved than in these past few days.
I no longer have to worry about whether or not I'd be able to afford college, as my family, and those who knew my dad well, have done right by his wishes to see his greatest joy succeed, and have donated a large amount towards my success in the future. I even met some CEO I never knew was connected to my family.
My little cousin who was like a brother to me, who last I saw stood only to my eyes, now towers over me, and has taken very good care himself. I never knew how much he looked up to me until today, when we were reminiscing about the past, and he told me how much influence I had on him. I'm proud to call him family. He's had a tough life like me, but he's gonna be okay too, and that makes me happy.
My dad's good childhood friend, Jason, stopped by to see him rest, and came to me and wished me well. I know he couldn't express what he was feeling, but I could the sadness in his eyes, like Judas. He and my dad left on bad terms, and they never got the chance to reconcile. I told him about how my dad forgave him, and he gave me a good long hug, and I knew that it took a lot of weight off his mind.
I told my Sister's husband that my dad was always proud of him, as he was also like his son, and that he had always been proud of him. He looked up to my dad the same way I did.
The pastor at the service knew my dad as well, and he and I had talked about him together, and I can say without a shadow of doubt that that man honored my father. It was hard at first, but as they started telling stories of the past, I felt this sense of calm wash over me, that everything was gonna be okay. I just wish my dad knew how much we all looked up to him, and how much we loved him, and his thundering laugh, shining eyes, and wide smile.
I know he's in a better place now. He's home, with old Ma and Frank, who he always told me stories about. He's buried next to his dad, and they can both overlook the calm lake nearby together, and spend the time they missed in life together now in death.
Things are hard, and life get's dark. But ya know, just on the other side, the sun shines a little brighter than before. Stay strong everyone, you'll get through it
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This is the most bittersweet thing I've read in ages man. As someone with little family left, due to a great many different reasons, this hits close to home. I see myself a bit in your lil brother I must admit and I see myself a bit in your position too, im a big brother of 3 myself. My ramblings aside aha, im glad to hear you got to reconnect with your sibling and even meet your nieces, there's nothing quite like the bond of family after all. I aint much a drinker, but'd I happily skål to this man.