Sunday, July 19, 2020

IRV

The handsome gentleman to my left is my father-in-law, Irving Epstein, who passed away this week at the astonishing age of 97. (He was a spry 89 in the photo.) A man of great heart, honesty, decency, humor, and homespun midwestern wisdom. It was an honor having him in my life.

Safe travels, Irv. Love you.


7 comments:

  1. My deepest condolences, Dematteis.

    I have learned from experiencing deaths of people of that generation die around that age, that living long and living a good life doesn't lessen the wound. IN some ways it makes it worse, because you see how many people they touched and how deeply.

    I hope you and your wife can remember the good times you had more than the loss. As Seuss said, "don't cry because its over, smile because happened."

    I know these words may sound trite, but they have helped me through more than one loss in my life. There is is a reason why

    Again, my condolences to the both of you.

    Jack

    ReplyDelete
  2. By the way, I am also aware of what it is like to feel guilty because you want more time with someone you had so much time with.

    Also, my (half)brother's mother died a month or so ago, so I am also somewhat familiar with the complications and problems with loss of loved ones in other parts of the country in the era of COVID.

    You have my condolences for that as well.


    Jack

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jack. He lived a long, full life, surrounded by people he loved. A truly good man. And you're right: Because he was around so long, it seemed he would be around forever and it does make it hard to say goodbye.

      Still, 97 years is a fantastic run. And for most of it he remained active and alert and full of love.

      Thanks again, Jack. Much appreciated.

      Delete
  3. My condolences to you and your wife and family for your loss. No matter the age, it's always hard to deal with loss. God bless you all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, George. Your kindness is very much appreciated. Take good care...

      Delete
  4. This has been a really hard year for losing people. And there is NEVER a good time to say goodbye to the people we love. So my condolences to you and your family for your father-in-law, sir. May he rest in peace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. VERY much appreciated. And you're right about there never being a good time to say goodbye. Even 97 years seems far too short...

      Delete