Comments on: When Elvis Left the Building

By: Kate Sinacori

Kate Sinacori — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:19:20 +0000

Matthew, you and Benjamin are so articulate in conveying the effect that losing your father had on your lives.
We lived next door to you from August, 1975, until the spring of 1978, so I have many memories of your family. We passed your home as we drove to ours and you probably remember my husband, John (we miss him so much; he died in October, 2006), Kathy (me,), and our son, Peter.
I woke up this morning thinking about your family. Not the first time, but this morning I got on the computer and typed a few words in the browser; the first thing I saw was Benjamin’s website.
It seems longer than 30 plus years…..I’ll never forget the sad night when a neighbor knocked on our door and told us your Dad had been killed. I’d talked to him just a few hours earlier when I was at the house visiting with your Mom and he came home from work briefly. He was about to pick up the truck and very enthusiastic about the new endeavor, as you probably know he planned to clean up construction sites and use the truck for hauling debris.
I’m sure you’ve heard many stories about him that convey the fact he was an exceptional human being. He had a zest for life that’s rare and this fact somehow made his death even more tragic.
If you’re interested in hearing my numerous recollections of those Aromas Days, let me know. Many funny stories and some not-so-funny – - like the time you sat down smack in the middle of poison oak.
Please say “Hi” to your Mom. She was so brave during those difficult times, and it couldn’t have been easy. I hope life has been good to her.
Your old neighbor,
Kathy

By: Stimey

Stimey — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:25:32 +0000

I know of what you speak. My father died when I was seven (I recently wrote about him in a post on my blog called “History.”) My husband’s father died when he was about the same age. Both deaths were unexpected and terrible, like your father’s. I’m so sorry. I also feel like losing him so young has shaped a huge part of me.

By: Kara

Kara — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 03:22:58 +0000

I really identify with the fears that you’ve expressed here. My dad died when he was 50, and I was 23 – mostly in the “I miss him but don’t need him” stage, although he’s definitely missed some big milestones of mine now. I read in other blogs about parents comforting their separation anxiety-ridden children, saying things like “mommy will always come back” but I’m afraid to say those things to my son. Because I can’t guarantee that I’ll always come back, as much as I desperately hope that I will. It’s the struggle/fear that I most need to release to God, but the hardest one.

By: Becky

Becky — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:18:46 +0000

I made it through your post and your brothers without losing it. But I was just reading the comments and, dammit. Your mom made me cry.

By: Al_Pal

Al_Pal — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:57:43 +0000

Goodness. Such powerfully poignant posts. *HUGS* to you.

By: ali

ali — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:17:51 +0000

this is just. oh. my. amazing.
Your children are just so lucky to have you are their father.
HUGS to you, friend

By: rcme

rcme — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:27:15 +0000

we have a friend who lost her husband this very day (aug. 16), just 3 days ago. leaving behind a 1 year old and 2 year old. this is wonderful insight into how they may cope and deal as the children get older. thank you.

By: Zoeyjane

Zoeyjane — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:32:16 +0000

This is the first post of yours that I’ve read from beginning to end. It made me cry. It made me see what a dad should really be thinking and feeling. It educated me a little bit.

I won’t miss another post, again.

By: BOSSY

BOSSY — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:15:44 +0000

Bossy sure hopes this post comes with free tissues, because she’s fresh out and needs one.

By: above average joe

above average joe — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:29:06 +0000

Nice.

Nice post. Nice of you to share with us. Nice of you to explain to the kids. Nice comments.