I don’t need to stand up here and tell you what kind of a
man Don was. The fact that you are all here is a testament to the many lives he
has touched. He lived, He laughed, He loved to the highest degree. He has
blessed my life in so many ways and has helped prepare me for the next part of
my journey. Although it may appear as though I’m traveling solo, know that I
will not be. We will always be a team and I have all the love and support
imaginable to guide me. God blessed my life with a special man and provided the
opportunity for us to share our hearts and souls for 50 beautiful years. For
that I will be forever grateful. Throughout this whole ordeal I’ve been at both
ends of the spectrum. On one end was heartbreak and despair. On the other joy and
many learning occasions. As they say, “when the student is ready, the teacher
appears”. So many beautiful stories have been shared and I sometimes found
myself thanking God for sparing us and not allowing us to go through even more
profound experiences that others are going through or have gone through.
Don has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of
our two wonderful sons Danny and Tony. He has taught them life lessons only a father
can teach. They’ve had first-hand knowledge of how to be a great husband,
father, grandfather because they have seen it displayed. No lectures or
discussions needed. All they had to do was watch. He left behind a powerful
legacy for each of his grandchildren Cassie, Katie, Alex, And Elliana so that
many years from now as they reflect over their own lives they can proudly
exclaim, “THAT was my Grandpa Don”, a man of character, integrity, and a heart
full of love.
Yes, my heart is broken but I realize that so many people
have endured and risen above worse situations than I have. Amidst all the chaos
and hatred going on around us I feel as though I have been insulated and so very
blessed. I’ve experienced such an outpouring of love and compassion that I did
not even know existed in today’s world. As I pick up the pieces and begin to
put my shattered world back together, I thank each and every one of you for the
love and honor you have bestowed upon Don. He left this world knowing he was
loved and will always be remembered in a positive light. Anyone who disagrees
is attending the wrong celebration of life.
