MARCH 7TH, 2018

Seven years is a long time. Nice an odd of a number. It can be both a long time and short time as well. Depending on how good or a bad memory it holds. Drags out to infinity. Hops and skips over the boredom of everyday. All perception, I guess. A time to remember and learn. Maybe a time to move on. Many choices. Today, March 7th, I will go back seven years. That would of been 2018. And I start with a text message.

'I'm Sorry Baby, He Slipped Away'. My wife, Kelly, was the one who kindly and gently told me that my dad had passed away. Sadly today, marks the fifth anniversary that we lost Dad. It is not at all easier now than it was five years ago. I miss dad every day. We knew he was sick.

He was in hospice. We had been notified earlier this day that he was nearing the end, but I believed if anyone can survive and defeat cancer, it was dad. He was the toughest son of a gun in the room. He was not perfect and there was so much left unsaid. He was a good man disciplined by his faith in God; logic; reason and ration. He valued life and his family.

He got it right when it counted the most. The good outweighed the bad. Was not a fan of salad. Felt salad was what food ate. Cheeseburgers; coffee; classical music and James Bond films would only be the beginning of describing him. We do not have two weeks for me to explain Dean Lewis.

Believe me that he was unique. He was special though he never thought he was, but he was. Dad could be very compassionate, understanding and a good listener. Great laugh. Ham radio was a passion. Loved building things. Enjoyed astronomy, the outdoors and nature. Carried a pocket knife because you never know when you need a tool. Still a boy scout at heart. Excellent at tying knots. Did it for fun.

A big supporter of my cartooning endeavors. He liked picking up the newest book for Kelly. She loves James Patterson. And loved seeing Katy grow; change and become a person he was proud of. He shocked Katy in eating Oreos. She was taught by him to break up Oreos and eat them separately. Katy thought it was weird to break food.

Dad was proud of Katy’s determination and will and her imagination. She had vast intelligence in his words. Hoped perhaps he would have gotten an engineer out of her but was glad she was happy. He was proud of all his Grandchildren. They were all quite special to him.

He knew when he messed up but could be very stubborn. Hard to admit that he was wrong at time. Allowed his actions to speak to for him especially when he sought forgiveness. We argued at times. We were too much alike in some ways. But forgave each other in the end. ‘Its done; it’s over’ we’re good’.

Many thought that Dean was a title. He came across like a teacher. Got called Edmund a lot. That is his middle name. Could imagine being a baby with the name, Dean. A bit heavy on potential in my opinion. Easy to spell but needs to be grown into.

Dad and I watched a lot of old movies together. Both liked the music of Blondie. Did not understand why I like professional wrestling but that was okay. I wish he was still here but there was never going to be enough time. I miss his catch phrase, 'Well, Hi.'. He was colored blind so grey; black; white and brown were his go to colors. To say the least, Dad did not teach us our colors.

He explained everything by physics and science. It was God’s logic to him. Practical and simple if could be seen. He had a voice for radio. Even casual clothes looked like a uniform on him. Order was essential and God gave us order just needed to see it. Didn't eat breakfast much. His presence was valued in his work and personal life. Highly respected.

Grew his mustache when I was only a month old because he did not like being called kid. Years later was fond of it so much not to consider a shave. He and Mom did not always see eye to eye but they loved each other devotedly. Life threatened to break us but we never surrendered and we survived. Endured and improved. He loved all of us without question.

Dad, I miss you; I love you and I will never forget you. I know you are in a better place, and I will see you again someday.