by AisA

Created on: August 20, 2010   Last Updated: August 22, 2010

On Monday, the world lost Mel Garrett.    I lost my role model, my inspiration, my oldest friend, and my dad.

Anyone who was lucky enough to know my dad, knew he was larger than life.  There was not a situation he couldn't take command of.  His spirit was indomitable, his outlook forever optimistic, his personality warm and engaging, his love for his family unwavering.

He was our provider, our pillar of strength, our fount of wisdom, our lighthouse of guidance, our champion for all our life's ambitions, and most importantly, our constant source of love, affection, and support.

Above all was the love and devotion he had for his beautiful bride, Bobby, my dear mother.  Mel was a child of the depression, losing his mother so young, given up by his father, and moved from foster home to foster home.  He told me his life began the moment he laid eyes on her.  From that moment on, they shared a love the likes of which the world rarely sees.  Two people completely devoted to one another as kindred spirits with joyful hearts.

As a young boy, I can still remember placing my small hand in his, and feeling a profound sense of pride walking alongside this strapping, virile, 6'1" man who lived life with purpose, dignity, and joy.  As I grew older, this pride continued to grow.

He was always there for me.  Whatever I wanted to do, he wanted to do too.  Whether it was playing ball, playing games, or playing golf, he played them all well - always good natured, always with enthusiasm, and always allowing me to win.  There was no way of knowing at that time how painful this last lesson would prove.  My daughter Paige, his granddaughter, whom he adored, is now going on 9, and I, of course, am going on my 9th win-less year.

In is later years, as fate cruelly stole his health, a fate that would have left most men bitter and angry, somehow, incredibly, his courageous spirit, his manifest optimism, his love for life and love for his family, faltered not in the least.

Today I am overwhelmed with sadness, yet take great solace in knowing he left us a lifetime of happy memories to temper that sadness.

Dad, it is an honor being your son.

Goodbye dad.

I love you, and I'll miss you.

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