At the conclusion of the day

I’ve had conversations with Mama in the past 15 years where she said that because Daddy died so soon into their marriage (only 19 years), she felt cheated out of a large portion of her life.

I feel cheated, too, sometimes.

All day long, I would’ve given anything to call my parents and tell them Happy Anniversary.  As it was, I only mentioned it briefly in an e-mail to Mama.  Yes, cheated is a good word.  The last 15 years, I’ve been cheated out of birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays with my father.  I long so badly to know if he can see his grandchildren – and by this, I mainly mean Mary Helen’s children, Alex and Juli.  There are so many times I’d like to talk to him, and I can’t.

Cheated out of it.

Life cheats.

The fucker!

My Mikey, I love you forever times PI cubed plus one,

Your Jack