Friday, June 16, 2023
I met Al the first day of school. I parked right behind him and he got out of his car and came back to my window and asked me what my business was there and who I was there for. That was the first time anyone had ever asked me that, but I told him I was there to pick up my 2 grandchildren and I would be there every day. He said oK that's great, and walked on to the next car. Every day after that I would park behind him and get out of my car and walk to his and stand there talking to him through his car window or sometimes we'd stand on the side of the street and gab . We became fast friends! It didn't matter what the weather was, it didn't matter that he was 83 years old, it didn't even matter in the end when he was going through chemo treatments, extremely weak and suffering from anxiety having trouble breathing . All that really mattered to him was standing in that street, holding up his stop sign, making sure each and every one of the kids got off the bus and made it to the other side of the street safely. We shared so many things in the 10 months we knew each other about our lives. He loved my grandchildren and they loved him too. If I didn't see him at the bus stop for a day or two, I would worry, so I gave him my phone number and asked him to call if he wasn't going to be there. He always either called or told me in advance because he was such a thoughtful and kind man. We exchanged recipes and gifts.He would greet me in the morning at his car window saying what's the story morning glory? And I'd laugh and say 'not much.' He knew that I prayed for him all the time and was concerned about his health and well being. He in turn yelled at me every time it was cold and I didn't have my hood up! He was such a special man. 83 years old and still working just to make sure the kids were safe. He'd ask me all the time after not being there for a day or two if a crossing guard showed up or not, and how they did. A few times no crossing guard showed up. I would go without any sign and stand in the middle of the road with my hand up to stop traffic because I knew it was important to Al. When Dolores called to tell me that he had passed, I was so sad. I cried and cried. Not just because he was gone but because the world had lost such a special man. The likes of which you don't see that often. I will always remember you Al my friend. Our talks, joking about things, and just sharing our lives. My life was better because you were in it. Theres an emptiness in my heart now. You said to me once Dory I'm 83 years old I can't live forever and when the good Lord says it's time that's it. I know that's true I just didn't want it to become a reality. I'm glad to know you are now in heaven with our Lord, out of all pain and happy again. Until we meet again my friend. You were one in a million. I carry you with me in my heart always.❤
