Nile Norton

Oct 25, 2010 02:37

My step father has died tonight.  My Mom called me about an hour ago.  I always answer my phone in the middle of the night because it is always important.  Not sure if it was another stroke or a heart attack.  Due to his age and medical history, it doesn't sound like they are going to check to thoroughly for the actual cause.  He had several strokes a few years ago.  His mind was still perfectly active, though his body had betrayed him.  Difficulty walking, slurred speech.  We met him about 25 years ago.  He was the boss at a  restaurant Mom got hired at and was later my first job. I was 14. He made her very happy, so much a better man than her previous husband.  He cared for her, treated her like a lady and appreciated her for being bad ass and wicked smart and he accepted her daughter quite willingly. They had a remarkably equal relationship, first time I had seen that a man and a woman could be equals in a partnership, with one being better at some things and vice versa.  We had our issues at times. Hard not to have that happen when one of you is a teenage girl and one of you is with her Mom.  They were married close to 20 years.  He was a good man and was a good Dad to me.

2500 miles is way too far away.  I wish I could be there for my Mom right now.  She is devastated.  Really wasn't expecting to come back down from making dinner for Nana to watch the last of the football game to find him unresponsive.  Fortunately, her brother is going to stay with her tonight and she is living with my grandmother, helping her out as she is getting older as well.  I have no idea what the next few days will bring.  Not that any of us ever do really.  She loved him implicitly with all of her being.

That is all for now.  I am completely in the shock you would expect for me to be in.  The sudden bouts of tears and getting lost in memories.  Hell, I knew him longer than I knew my own Dad.  Fuck, I hadn't thought of that.

I love you Nile. 
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