Of Until We Meet Agains

I've never been one for good byes and many of you can attest to the fact that my otherwise tough skin melts away pretty quickly when I'm forced into actually bidding adieu. The completely unexpected but very sweet goodbye party our homestay family had for us yesterday had me near to (okay, okay..actually in..) tears. 'Goodbyes' just feel far too permanent. I suppose my inability to gracefully part ways in some ways explains my habit of never being gone for long.

That said, I'd give the world to be in Indianapolis with my family today, paying respects to a man I was and am proud to call my grandfather. Words can't express just how thankful I am to have such a wonderful model of integrity, morality and fairness in my life. He, together with our grandmother, stood up for what they knew was right even when what was wrong was the norm, and even when it may have been easier to just turn a blind eye. His commitment to justice is something I'll aspire always to match, with the sincere hope that I can do so even half as humbly as he did. Fisher family: while I am sorry I cannot be there in person today, I can't think of a better way to send him on his way than with that favorite Irish blessing of Grandmother's, as best I can remember it:

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand

I trust that will not be the only Irish blessing of the day :)

And now a toast to Papa: To 99 years of a healthy, happy and meaningful life. May we all be so lucky.

Hugs and kisses to all.