In Memorium

We found out last night that my dad's best friend passed away. His name was Lovett Williams and he was one of the kindest men you'd ever meet. He was the nice older gentleman down the street that let all the neighborhood kids swim in his pool. A pool he never used himself. He's the family friend that, even though you only see him once or twice a year, every time he sees your parents (and that's a lot) he asks after you to make sure you're OK. He's the best friend that will drive 35 miles to help pick his friend up off the floor after a fall because said friend's wife is too small to help the 6'4" giant off the floor. He's the father that even though he's on Social Security and not much else gives his kids money when they need it. He was the man who, when he pops up in conversation, you say his mean wife and freeloading adult children don't deserve him.

He was a good man with a good heart, an easy smile and always, always a kind word. The world is a little darker without him. He'll be deeply missed.

I can't believe I don't have a single picture of him - it shows how much we take for granted the presence of our loved ones. Instead, I included this pic of Clint Eastwood because Lovett used to clean Clint's house and studio.