the cowboy rides away
“oh, the last goodbye’s the hardest one to say,
and this is where the cowboy rides away.”
I've debated writing this. I've debating not writing this. However, after the last (almost) two weeks, I couldn't not pay tribute to the great presence in my life that was my stepfather, Gilbert.
We lost him unexpectedly on Thursday, March 2nd. He was 54. He was a devoted son and brother, a loving husband, a supportive father, and a doting RahRah (as his grandbabies called him). He was a team roper, a sheepdog trialer, a trucking company owner and driver, and a retired fire captain. Almost 500 people attended his service last week. Many more expressed their condolences at being unable to attend. He loved so much and was loved by so many.
I wish I could tell you more about him. I really do. But it just doesn't seem to be enough. No matter how many stories I share, it simply doesn't feel like it does him justice.
Because you had to know him. You see, Gilbert can't be explained...he had to be experienced. He was larger than life.
Gilbert married my mom when I was 13. He was another father to my younger brother and me. He was the one who walked me down the aisle at my wedding and jitterbugged with me to Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl." Gilbert was so proud to have my husband, sister-in-law, and my sister's fiancé become a part of our family. He taught me how to work hard for what I wanted, but to never miss an opportunity to laugh. It was pure joy watching him blossom at becoming a grandfather. Seeing him dote upon those two boys brought tears to my eyes. Gilbert was a rough and tumble cowboy with a soft streak more than a mile wide...especially when it came to those babies.
A sweet friend wrote to me, "The world is not the same without this man in it." Again, I wish I could say everything I felt about Gilbert. But there's just too much to try to squeeze into a blog post. Or a memorial service. Or even 54 years. He was just too big. He fit so much life into his time here. He would say, "I'm glad you go to see me," when leaving anyone. And I thank God for that. I was so damn lucky for that.
“how lucky i am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
To all of our friends, coworkers, extended family, acquaintances, and relative strangers who have shown us so much love and support - I wish I had the words to say thank you enough for everything you've done. From the words of support to the food, the hugs and the laughs, it's helped make this process a little more bearable. I love you all.
