I only learned last week (March 21st 2008) of your passing and ever since that moment I’ve been playing back our times together. I’m not sure if you were aware but you were/are the most significant father figure in my life and when you and Mom opened
your home to me during the trouble spots in my life I learned the definitions of family, self-worth, and the importance of respect no matter a persons age; unconditional love.

You were a great friend, listener, and teacher…
You always found a way to deliver those life lessons in such a subtle and non-condescending way. Of all the people and things that a young man can rebel against, I always stopped and took the time to hear you, because you always did the same for me, Eddie, John, Karen any of us. In a time when I thought that no adult had the desire to understand or care, you and mom always had warm hearts and soft voices for the young and reckless.

I promise…
I’ll visit you soon, I need to say a few things to you in person and in private and I really
have never wanted to see You, Mom or Eddie so bad.

I want to thank you for…

Helping me reel in the Hammerhead, WOW what a fish! on a Zebco 308 fresh water reel. Snagged through the gills…what luck!!

The warm bed and the dinner conversations, still never got used to unsweet tea

Showing me the difference between parenting & fathering

the comfort of knowing that I wasn’t’ going to be the only man taller than 6″3 that was left handed. Very difficult being in our “right mind”.

For giving me the strength to know that I never have to compromise my ethics or integrity for anyone or any reason, that its okay to be stubborn with this part of my life.

For telling me every time we parted company, “Keep Your Nose Clean”…I’ve managed to keep that
promise to you.

Accepting that children, specifically teenagers have be allowed to make choices in order to become
responsible adults.

For being my friend and a father to me and all of us.

I’ll Love You Always and the impact you made in my life and all of those around. A man’s life is supposed to have “meaning” and when he leaves this earth he should be remembered for his greatness. I certainly hope I can live up to the examples you provided with my two children. Your life should be celebrated, not mourned. You are and were one of the greatest men I’ll ever know.

Sean A. McCoy