As some of you will have noticed, yesterday Kevin posted an obituary for his grandfather, Keith Reynolds, on his LiveJournal. That’s a notice designed to go into a newspaper, so it is short and to the point. It also leaves much unsaid.
When it talks of being born in Arkansas and living in California it doesn’t mention a young couple heading out west in search of work. When it talks about a WWII veteran it says nothing about storming beachheads on Pacific islands, or being amongst the first troops sent shore to inspect effect of atom bombs on Japan. When it talks about being a Heavy Equipment Operator it says nothing abut how unpleasant and dangerous construction work can be; and it was way more dangerous when Mr. Reynolds was doing it.
Then there is the family side of things. For a variety of reasons Kevin spent a lot of time with his grandparents when he was growing up. He was very close to them. They created a wonderful family. They have also been very kind to me over the years. If it was possible for me to get into the USA I’d be on a plane out there so that I could attend the funeral and pay my respects. Instead I am stuck at home writing.
What can I say? Obviously I wish I could be there for Kevin, but he knows that. So I will limit myself to saying that Keith Reynolds was a very brave, kind and sensible man, and I wish there could be more people like him in the world. I am proud to have known him.
I’m sorry to hear that, Cheryl 🙁 Please pass on my condolences to Kevin.
My condolences to you and Kevin.
I’m sorry to hear this. Condolences to you, to Kevin and his family.
Cheryl,
I know you screen these responses and hence I do not expect this response to appear on you website.
Your posting is a perfect example of what I was talking to you about at P-Con at that moment in the Dealers’ Room when I probably embarrassed you by telling you how I have found you inspirational in so many ways.
You are one of a small number of people that I would say has enriched my life. Please keep being yourself and spreading your wonderful philosophy of life.
I’ve never met Kevin, but I would be grateful if you would let him know that a stranger living in Ireland is touched by the passing of his grandfather.
I would have liked to know such a man, Cheryl. My deepest condolences to you and Kevin.
Thank you to everyone who has responded here, on my LJ and FB, and directly. I and my family — and my mother has said she’d adopt Cheryl if she could, so she’s family, too — appreciate it. I’m going to show the responses to my mother when I go out to her home to take her to my grandfather’s funeral this afternoon.