Dear Ron,
I am so sorry to read of your loss, and also that I missed this sad news until this morning. And thank you so much Stacey for posting.
Ron, I know you're hurting right now and there's nothing I can say that will change that. But I know how you feel. Like others have posted, I was not blessed with having a good father, (he bagged out on us kids in the very worst of ways), yet I was very blessed to have received a wonderful father when I met the love of my life, Jeanine.
From the time I was seventeen years old, Jeanine's dad was as much my dad as hers. He and I golfed and worked together all the time, and that is where we talked, pondered what was and what might be, and where I learned to be a good husband, father and friend. Jeanine and I used to joke that if anything happened between us, we wouldn't be sure whose side he'd be on! But fortunately for us, he never had to make that choice, and was an unbelievebly great father to us both. Golf has never been the same since for me, but I'm still working on it with my son and son-in-law, who loves the game, but plays mostly with his father.
So Ron my good friend, now it's time for you to get to work: Work on searing those wonderful memories of the best times into your heart so they will live there forever. Work on continuing those same memories with Robert, and for the kids. When Victor (or later, the little guy!), goes hunting with you, it will now be your turn to get up early to cook breakfast, so that Victor can sleep a little late. Don't worry, Grump will be right there by your side, and in your heart.
And most importantly Ron and Stacey...hold on now to each other's heart. Hold it gently and with care. Make this one of those crossroad moments in your lives that brings you ever closer together. It is no matter that life is not perfect; but it is your job to work together to make it as much so as possible.
I'm here brother,
Charles
