Over a year ago my best friend and I drove up to her family cottage where her dad, a widower, was by himself for a week until his family would arrive for Christmas. We went to decorate the tree for him and make him lunch. Simple gestures for a good man alone.
I was happy she called on me to do this with her. I was happy I was smart enough to do it.
We laughed, teased, talked deep and caught up. Standard issue with him.
8 months later he died.
I loved him.
I am not intending to be morose. On the contrary.