Sometimes a dragon wakes up all on his own. (And that's a @*#&@^ tragedy.)

It’s easy sometimes to fool myself into thinking that all is well in the world.

It’s easy to go about my daily life without a care in the world. It’s easy for all of us to fall into that comfortable routine that keeps us warm in our little cottages, that keeps us wrapped in a bubble of distraction and allows us to forget, even for a little, that life has a crazy way of bringing us to our knees.

He was always a happy, happy kid and an even happier man.  He was my mother’s older sister’s son- and he was the same age as my annoying little brother.  He had a head of almost white blond hair- and gorgeous blue eyes.  He was quick with a smile and a laugh, despite a diagnosis of epilepsy detected when he was in his early teens.   He was an athlete and carried that love of athleticism throughout his adult life. 

He married his college sweetheart in a wedding that included not only his fraternity brothers but also her many sorority sisters.  It was a day full of incredible love and laughter- that appeared to follow them through their journey of life.  The journey was cut short two days ago when Tim lost his battle with that treacherous bastard called cancer.

I’m trying desperately to find the words to honor an incredible husband, father and friend.  I find myself thinking and saying the things that all of us say when an amazing soul is lost but it just doesn’t seem adequate.

He fought many battles in his life, and his mouth always carried a smile and kind words. He strapped on his armor and brandished his swords eight years ago when he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.  He fought an incredible battle with his wife, children and sister at his side. We all believed  he had defeated the dragon.

But we forgot that dragons don’t always die.

We forgot that dragons sometimes have a way of finding the prince, sneaking up on him and piercing him in the heart.

Tim, you will always be the shining, smiling prince who reminded us all that life is to be savored, treasured, lived and enjoyed each and every moment. And while the dragon might think he’s won, we all know the truth.

We know that your honor, integrity, strong faith and moral compass makes you the victor.  I’m sure your father joins my own parents and others who love you in welcoming you to the one place you deserve to be - at the right hand of the Father in a place of everlasting light and love. 

Keep a light burning, we’ll be there shortly.   

#RIPDarlingTim