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As a young boy, he developed meningitis with resulting blindness. But that didn't stop him! He grew and studied and maintained his independence for a long, long time.
He taught me much over the years. He encouraged my independence, my education and my writing. He taught me not to fear hard work. I learned both through his example and by his lack of it.
Little by little, he gave away his joy to depression, though you could catch a glimpse of it again in the presence of his children and grandchildren.
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He loved birds, and storms, travel and world cuisine - though, try as I might, he'd never try sushi! Not even his own words - "How do you know you don't like it if you don't try it?" - couldn't win him over to the experience.
Recently, I found a few letters he had written to me while I was at camp and in college. I literally LAUGHED OUT LOUD and the absurdity that was his sense of humor.
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He died several years ago. Even in his death, he taught me: Of love, of peace and of wisdom.
Happy Birthday, Dad!!
Know that you are missed.... and loved.
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