And now... he lives on in dreams.
Today is a sad day for me. My father has passed on after a relatively brief battle with his health. The pain of this loss stings me sharply to think about at the moment but, as I have already experienced with Mom's passing, it will dull over time. Right now there are so many feelings about what was lost but I know I will come to see the greater picture with time.
He was a simple man. He followed his heart. He treated everyone he met with incredible respect and care. He had ambitions and desires far greater than his ability to focus on how to realize them... possibly the greatest dreamer I have ever known. He worked incredibly hard for as long as his body allowed, even long past the time where the pain in his knees should have deterred him. He valued laughter above his personal pride, a smile being his default habit in any conversation not related to politics. He loved to brag about his health despite his troubles and obvious health issues. To me, his delusion in this way was endearing and somewhat humorous.
Now, as I sift through the barrage of emotions, self-inflicted or otherwise, I feel lucky to have some time this morning to reflect a little and adjust to the new form of life I will now have to live. My father is gone. My mother is gone. I am glad to have all five of my remaining siblings. I feel lucky I was able to briefly see him in person just six weeks ago. I feel even luckier to have had him as my father in the first place!
Today the world is cold everywhere, both figuratively and in actuality(it snowed in Washington, it is icy here in Texas), as the loss of my D.O.D.(Dear Old Dad) reflects the chill of life. He is already missed and will continue to be missed until the day I join him and Mom.
Farewell, Dad. I love you.
Jerry Castillo
March 8th, 1936 - February 13th, 2021