It’s not time to make a change,
Just relax, take it easy.
You’re still young, that’s your fault,
There’s so much you have to know.
Find a girl, settle down,
If you want you can marry.
Look at me, I am old, but I’m happy.
I was once like you are now, and I know that it’s not easy,
To be calm when you’ve found something going on.
But take your time, think a lot,
Why, think of everything you’ve got.
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not.
“Father and Son” – Rod Stewart
“Father and Son” was the song I listened to quite often the day pop left us on Sept. 28, 2012. The words and meaning seem to get the best of me every time. I’ve linked the song to the title above if you want to give it a listen …
NJ Devils goalie Martin Brodeur learned on Thursday (Sept. 26) that his father, Denis, passed after a lengthy illness. It’s tough not to remember, especially this close to your anniversary, which will hit us all like a ton of bricks.
For those who might be checking in and reading this blog for the very first time, please know I’m sitting behind my laptop right now from a hotel room in Pittsburgh, Pa., and writing an endless stream of thoughts because, for me, it’s become a therapeutic exercise; an opportunity to talk to dad and remember him for the man he was and always will be in my eyes – a loving husband, adored father, beloved brother, cherished grandfather, treasured uncle and a terrific friend.
I’m sure dad would have been thrilled to learn of the recent news of my pending induction into the New Jersey High School Ice Hockey Hall of Fame this spring. It was a big surprise for sure. Of course, earning such an honorable achievement can only be made possible by those around you and the fact pop played an amazingly important part in transforming me into the person I am today, made me sad in some way that I couldn’t share this news with him directly. But I know he knows what’s going on.
I know this one-year anniversary is going to be very hard on mom, but we’ll be together so everything will be alright. There will be several masses said with dad in mind so we’ll certainly be able to reflect and remember the man you were and the love that still radiates within all of us because of you.
Pop left us in the early morning hours of Sept. 28 in the presence of many family members. He passed peacefully after enduring so much, but he never complained.
Erica and Kate
His funeral was attended by so many family members and friends and the mass a few days later was something I will never forget.
Playing a huge part in the mass was our Erica, who was everything we all knew she would be. It was an absolute grand tribute to her grandfather and I’m positive pop will never forget that day. Erica can be rest assured that grandpa is in perfect peace because of what she did and her memorable voice that day. I’m positive he replays it in his mind over and over again. Lorin did both readings and did a great job. I gave the eulogy and made certain to tell everyone that pop adored mom, cherished his family and loved, with all his heart, his three grandchildren – Erica, Katie and Joey.
Pop on mower at golf course
After the eulogy, Erica sang ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love’. It was amazing. – Click here to hear her.
As I’m writing, I’m thinking if only I had one more minute to tell him how much he meant to all of us. But I guess that’s how life is. It’s why I encourage everyone to reach out to their mom or dad or loved one at some point today and just tell them how much they mean to you. There were many family and friends who approached me after the mass and asked me to share my eulogy. On this one-year anniversary, I feel now is as good a time as any to share those thoughts I read about the man who was my superhero – My eulogy to pop.
At the end of the mass, Erica sang ‘Take Him Home’ from Les Miserables. I’m certain pop heard and felt every word and every note. – Click here to hear her.
We miss you pop! Keep a close watch on all of us from your peaceful place in heaven.
Family Focus 