My brother in law passed away this week.
He had been ill for some time, and the doctors weren't optimistic about his recovery. But, even though we were expecting it, his death came unexpectedly, sudden, and leaves the family with a sense of loss and emptiness that will always remain, always linger.
Richard loved hunting, fishing, and camping. And Richard truly loved Mississippi State. Some of our best times together were spent enjoying a fine victory cigar after cheering the Bullies on to another win. A couple of years ago, I bought Richard one of his most favorite birthday presents ever: a brand new cowbell. We rang our bells together the last time after last year's Egg Bowl. He had been in the hospital for much of this football season, and the hospital staff made him stop ringing his bell during the A&M game. They said they were concerned he was getting his blood pressure too high, but I think it must have been an OM person in one of the rooms who was complaining.
We were planning on getting together this weekend to watch the game, and pull the Dogs through to the victory line. I have the victory cigars ready. And, I'll be smoking mine in celebration of the victory, and in remembrance of my good friend, and dear brother in law, Richard. I know he'll be watching and clanging right along with all of us.
He had been ill for some time, and the doctors weren't optimistic about his recovery. But, even though we were expecting it, his death came unexpectedly, sudden, and leaves the family with a sense of loss and emptiness that will always remain, always linger.
Richard loved hunting, fishing, and camping. And Richard truly loved Mississippi State. Some of our best times together were spent enjoying a fine victory cigar after cheering the Bullies on to another win. A couple of years ago, I bought Richard one of his most favorite birthday presents ever: a brand new cowbell. We rang our bells together the last time after last year's Egg Bowl. He had been in the hospital for much of this football season, and the hospital staff made him stop ringing his bell during the A&M game. They said they were concerned he was getting his blood pressure too high, but I think it must have been an OM person in one of the rooms who was complaining.
We were planning on getting together this weekend to watch the game, and pull the Dogs through to the victory line. I have the victory cigars ready. And, I'll be smoking mine in celebration of the victory, and in remembrance of my good friend, and dear brother in law, Richard. I know he'll be watching and clanging right along with all of us.
