He Was A Hard Man

Not the man that I knew. Exacting? Yes. Focused? Yes.  Disciplined?  Yes.  Hard? A resounding No.

A hard man would not drive two hours to assist in searching for the child of a woman whom he'd just met. A hard man would not come to the new apartment of a woman whom he'd only known for a few months,  look around,  and return hours later with badly needed furniture and other items.  A hard man would not have come down to put Christmas toys together, share holidays, and make the drive back home.

A hard man would not drive down in a heavy snowstorm to check on the health of a woman who'd undergone in and out surgery. Or drive from Boston because her home had been damaged in a fire.

A hard man would have insisted that the child be left behind when taking vacations.  The child's first airplane ride was courtesy of that hard man as was the trip to Jamaica to celebrate his birthday. The hard man showed the child how to measure his pants for a correct fit and bought his suit for graduation.

The hard man was at this family's side with few exceptions. He was on hand for funerals, weddings, and births.The move to Tennessee saw him fly in for the housing inspection, a return trip after settlement and monthly trips thereafter. He became an accepted  part of a small social set.  Everyone knew Mr. Jimmy.

The hard man saw needs and took care of them.  He was a provider. The hard man was a loyal friend to many; conscientious to a fault (if you're going to do something, do it right), and taught those willing to learn.

So young man, as you looked at the man in the coffin and made that remark, I ask that you remember how many times he was there for you, rescuing you, your sister,  and, yes, loving you in his way.

He is greatly missed.

All the Best.