My best friend's daughter...

It is hard to believe that it will soon be five months since my best friend, Chip, was killed in an SUV/motorcycle accident. While I have started coming to grips with it somewhat, and as life has moved on, the daily pain has lessened, but the memories still linger. I still catch myself from time to time thinking of calling him, of wanting to talk to him, only to realize there is no chance. Still, I like to think that he hears me when I do speak out loud to him, and that he understands.


Still, this is not about him, in a sense. This is about his daughter Erin. She is graduating from college in two weeks. There was some strain between the two because of the fact that she wanted to further her degree by moving to the other side of the country almost, when he felt she could do just as well in state. It wasn't about the money, as I think she had some promise of scholarships. Maybe it was a little, come to think of it, as she would have to have a place to stay, food, clothing, transportation. BUT, more so, I think it was more about her being so far away. She was a daddy's girl in a sense, as she was the one of the three that learned to scuba dive, she hung around when he worked on his Harley, so I think he watched over her a little bit more tightly. I think that she didn't really see it, seeing it more as a just because kind of thing, but I know he really cared. He loved his daughters, and was never hesitant about praising any of them. Anyway, she graduates next month and he is not here to see it. That I am sorry for. But, and Erin, if you are reading this, close your eyes at this part, I am planning on being there for him. I am going to ride upstate to be there for her graduation. She doesn't know it, and if she does find out, still, I am sure she would be surprised that I am going. I feel it is my duty, as his best friend, and as Erin's "Uncle Gicky", to be there. I have watched her come up from the day she was born, and I just want her to know how proud I am of her. I am sure Chip would have it no other way. Way to go Erin, you have did your father proud. I am sure he is beaming from above right now.