My father passed away the other day. He is no longer burdened by his physical body and the limitations of age, having been freed from that vessel to be one with the universe. A good friend of mine said he remembered my Dad as kind, warm and genuine; truer words were never said about him.
For my Dad, the act of living was about being the best person that he could be, having friends that loved and appreciated him, and loving his family more than anything that life had to offer him.
He taught me to fish, to select quality tools, and to just be thankful.
He always listened to people, never left anyone out and had a real passion for serving his community. This
translated into years of volunteer service. He was well known and respected in the local community, serving his employer, his heritage and his faith.
He was a very caring and compassionate person, putting the needs of others before his own. My father fulfilled obligations willingly; his word was his bond, and everyone knew it.
He was self-made and self-reliant. His skill with tools that could fashion wood, brick, tile, stone or cement allowed him to engage the world as a man who would mold these resources rather than be molded by them.
He has always been a constant in my life, giving me advice and encouraging me to be my best. For that, and for more than I can ever remember and record, I will be eternally thankful.
As we pack up our emotions and memories, take another road to another place and write that next chapter, this finale is symbolic of how things change and evolve, how life goes on despite leaving things on the side of the road, how the future is now.
Today we celebrate the sacrifices he made to his commitment to making the world a better place. Dad, you did good; you did real good.
Jim Tabacchi, December 16, 1937 - September 28, 2014
