Dave Mandigo

My father died suddenly yesterday of a massive stroke. I don’t really know how to feel right now[1. I’m probably in some form of shock right now.]. Saying that he taught me a lot or anything at all seems absurdly trite. So much of me comes directly from him. Most of it good. Some perhaps less so. He was human and taught me to be human, as well. I’m often struck by that when I hear myself talk or look at myself in the mirror. What do you say about someone who was directly responsible for your existence and played such a vital role during the first few years of my life?

I last spoke with him on Christmas Day. He told me about the progress he was making on his shop and speculating on getting into the wild mushroom business. He was always adventurous, inquisitive and appreciative of the things that this universe has to offer. These are traits that he shared with me and I hope I’ve been able to share those traits with my kids.

He was a good man. As I understand it, he was at my uncle’s house looking for ways to help since my uncle is (or was) due for surgery today. He fell to the ground while there, was taken to the hospital by ambulance, never regained consciousness as far as I know and died later that evening. He died doing a good thing. If that’s his last lesson for me then I’ll forever be grateful.

There are, of course, many more things to say but I can’t right now. Maybe later.

I love you, Dad. You will be very much missed and you’ll always be with me.

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