I returned from northern Minnesota last night and finally have all my thoughts together.
Most importantly, I must express the utmost thanks and gratitude from me and my family to everyone here that offered their condolences and donated to purchase the huge arrangement of flowers in this time of crisis. It truly brings tears to my eyes. I love you guys and gals. I wish I could hug each one of you. My Dad introduced me to the world of motorcycling when I was a kid, so in a very roundabout way it is because of him that I found you folks. For that I am so grateful.
Many of you have read about my project bike, a minimalist hardtail bobber that has been in the works off and on for several years. I had originally planned to sell it upon completion this coming year, but I plan to finish it in my Dad's honor and keep it. He had a BSA-powered rigid when I was young and he thought my project was so cool. It is yet another deep disappointment and sadness for me that he will not get to see it.
At some time during the week I stopped, alone, at the accident scene. It was only about ten degrees but the sun was shining brightly and there was no wind. I walked slowly along the path the car made, and stopped at the tree which ended the journey. Tiny pieces of safety glass and reflector mixed with fallen leaves winked in the light like a million tiny, bright eyes. I just stood there for an unknown length of time and reflected. The silence was deafening.
To avoid ruining the holidays completely, as well as other reasons, we made the decision to have my Dad's body cremated. We will be having a memorial service shortly after the New Year, the exact date is yet to be determined. My Dad was a Vietnam veteran, a Sergeant in the Air Force, and served from 1968 through 1970; the service will be complete with color guard and such.
My Mom is more or less OK, and doing very well considering the circumstances. She now has a titanium plate and about a dozen screws just below her left wrist, and ended up losing a fingertip on the same hand. She has a vast number of bruises and one very swollen knee, but is getting around quite well. She will be staying in my area with a sister for a few days until we finish getting the many loose ends tied up.
I will have Mom here later today so that we can compose Dad's obituary (I am the 'writer' of the family) and she will get to see the flowers and I will surely explain them to her. If someone can let me know what the details are regarding the donation to the American Heart Association, I can relay that as well when she is here. I know that she will be shocked at this selfless gesture.
As bp said elsewhere, life is best lived without regrets, let your loved ones know they are loved every chance you get.
Thanks again, friends.
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/Speedbag/2008_1204Image0002.jpg)
big hug
You're our friend Dave.
Some might say you don't really exist because you're a cyber friend.
You do exist.
It was the least we could do for a friend.