The opportunity to say goodbye is a blessing if you really think about it. And yesterday I had that opportunity to say a final goodbye to someone who has been part of my life and our family for the past 30+ years.
My brother in-law, Steve, is losing his battle with cancer, and I'm just going to say it, cancer really, really, really sucks. I've watched for the past 18 months as he and my sister have waged an all out war on this terrible disease. It's been heart and gut wrenching. It's been highs and lows, happy and sad, victories and defeats but until the past week or so it was an ever going, all out war and battle with a ton of prayer warriors, love and support that reaches far and wide for Steve and my sister. The term family reaches farther than blood in the love and support for my brother in-law and sister in this life battle.
For me the fight against this sucky disease has taken on a very personal touch once again. I've watched a man who brought love, happiness, support, care and such a positive approach to life, wage this battle with all he could. So when my sister called and asked if I'd like to come and say goodbye I knew I wanted the opportunity to thank this man who could talk to anyone, worked hard his whole life and who made all of us who called him family feel loved. Anyone who came in contact with Steve always felt welcomed and at home and like they had just had a conversation with a dear friend, regardless if it was the first or 50th time they'd met Steve. I could pick his voice out in a crowd and honestly I've never had or overheard a conversation with Steve that wasn't kind and interesting. He had a friendly, positive approach to life. He knew what it was like to face battles and forever kept a positive attitude.
Steve brought happiness and love not only to my sister and niece but he brought it in a quiet way to our family, along with six kids, their spouses and grandkids who he is fiercely proud of. He didn't make a grant entrance into a room, but after talking with him he would leave you feeling like he cared, he listened and he was a friend. He was a kind soul who never met a stranger and I think he was the epitome of a sales man, but he was much more than that, he care about everyone he met. I honestly think he made friends every day of his life.
So when I had the opportunity to have a few moments alone with Steve I thanked him for bringing love and happiness to my sister and niece, and for all the love and care he brought to my family. I told him, that I along with so many more people who know and loved him, we would all help take care of my sister. And finally I asked him to tell my parents hi. I know it was a simple goodbye, but it was how Steve was, a simple guy with a huge heart and the gift of gab and making friends every where he went-truly a gift.
I don't know if Steve was one of those salesmen who could sell a freezer to an Eskimo (he was good at what he did), but I do know that he had the gift of making people comfortable, that he cared, he could talk to anyone and that his family was a priority. He knew the meaning of work and always had a smile on his face.
The opportunity to say goodbye, as hard as it is on those left behind, is truly a blessing that I forget to appreciate. And as I drove back home last night I had the opportunity to think how people come into our lives and what we take away and learn from them. From Steve I learned he never met a stranger and how to always make the people you love a priority. Thank you Steve for all you brought into all of our lives and know that you are leaving a huge void that will never be filled. And because of this I'm going to try to be a little bit more like Steve, talk to strangers, make friends along the way and enjoy life and always have a smile.
Until we meet again Steve, peace and love, and just for you and my dad...Go Hawks.
