I wish I was a more eloquent writer, Mr. Reid deserves the best recollection a person could give.
He wasn't my dad, but he was like a second dad to me during those awkward days of high school. You probably wonder why I still call him Mr. Reid if he was like a dad to me, but Ted just doesn't feel as respectful to me.
Countless days spent over my friend Kim's house- after school and weekends, summers and holiday breaks, Kim's parents became a second set of parents to me. I don't think they ever knew how much impact they had on my life or my views, but I credit Mr. Reid specifically with many of the qualities exhibited by the spunky independent thirty-something that writes to you now. Mr. Reid was a special man. He was funny and witty beyond his years and always kept us all on our toes. He loved his family fiercely. I had never known a love like that until I met this family. The most important thing that I learned from him was never to take myself too seriously, a lesson that I try to remind myself of often even today.
It would drive my own parents' crazy, the amount of time that I spent over at the Reid house, but things were always more relaxed there. It felt like a true home and escaped the troubles I was facing at my own house during those days. No matter who you were or where you came from, you were accepted. Often you would be challenged in some quick witted fashion, but the more Mr. Reid teased you the more he liked you. I think he either liked me a lot or I was a really easy target. Probably a little of both.
He would take us out on the boat all the time in the summer- tubing, water-skiing, swimming. I swear he would be having as much fun trying to knock us off the tubes as we would grasping on for what sometimes felt like dear life. I have so many vivid memories of being on 'Bapa's Boap', a couple of those memories involved me skinning or almost killing myself either water-skiing or tubing. Fun summer getaways up to Higgins Lake for a week or so with the family, and again teaching me humility and to not take things so personally when Ted (dy) teased me (which he did often, and still does). All were great times.
Mr. Reid would always want to know what was new with us, and he genuinely wanted to know. It wasn't to keep tabs or anything (at least it never felt that way), he just always showed honest concern for everyone around him. He had a gift for making someone comfortable, and he always seemed to put me at ease which made talking much easier. He really helped me through some challenging times with my parents, and also with other challenges I encountered in life. He was one of the first people to tell me not to get tied down early, to enjoy life, not take things so seriously, and settle later when I'm ready. It was invaluable advice at the time even though as a teenager I thought I had it all figured out (little did I know). :o) The last time I saw him, he asked if I was married yet, and I told him I was still too young. He smiled.
I wish that I had stopped over more after college and through the years after. I just got busy with life though as we all do. I would often think of his quips and one liners though. Thoughts of him and his wit actually inspired me to go through Second City's improv classes, though I don't think he ever knew that.
In the past few years, Mr. Reid's health has taken a brutal beating and declined fairly rapidly, though he fought to stay alive every step of the way. He outlived several predictions by doctors. But most importantly, he got to see so many monumental events in his family, it is truly a blessing.
I'm really going to miss Mr. Reid. I hope he knows how much he was loved, and how much he touched the lives of those around him. He was one of a kind. An amazing father, a great husband, an awesome grandfather, and a wonderful friend. I am truly blessed to have known him and to have had him in my life.
To Diane, Kim, Joel, Ted(dy), Chelsea, Teddy, Gabby, Grace, and Lexie: I love you all so much, my heart is with you through this difficult time. May your knowledge of his final peace outweigh the sadness in your hearts. He will always be with us all.
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