An Anniversary

Yesterday was an anniversary. It wasn't a happy anniversary dotted with gifts and cake. It wasn't even a proud anniversary to celebrate sobriety, or renewal. It wasn't a sad anniversary, like the loss of a World Series game. Or even a mournful anniversary of a death.

April 22nd is the anniversary of a heart attack. A mighty strong man did not have a strong heart, and it gave out on April 22nd, 2008.

Gerald is the father of Amy, who is a close friend of mine. He was a loving husband, smart farmer, and stubborn German to boot. His smile could melt your heart, and his hugs could crush your ribs. He was a man of pride and respect.

One of my favorite memories of Gerald actually involves a boa!!! Brian and I had been dating for about 2 years when we went to Iowa City for the Hawkeye vs. Badger game at Kinnick. We spent the day with Amy and her brother in law. At the end of the game we drove back to Denver, IA (the mile WIDE city). Amy's parents were at the Whiskey Junction where we met with them and others for dinner and drinks. I had met Amy's family a few times and knew them well. Brian, on the other hand, was still new at getting to know the family.

It took Gerald about 15 minutes to corner Brian and ask him what his intentions were with me. Poor Brian was like a deer in the headlights. Here he was, enjoying an ice cold beer and minding his own business when a near stranger approaches him to ask if he is going to marry me. Gerald absolutely loved watching Brian squirm under this interrogation! And I loved it too!

That night, Gerald wore my Hawkeye boa. And he laughed, he played cards, and he danced with his wife. Gerald lived life happily and fully. He passed away on May 4th. Never recovering from the effects of his heart attack. It's almost as though we lost him twice. I'm thankful for knowing him, and for still knowing his family today.



Here's to you Gerald... "When they built you brother, they broke the mold" (Bruce Springsteen, Terry's Song)