There is something therapeutic about writing. Please accept my apologies if reading doesnt have the same effect. Names are interesting... no? Even Shakespeare begs the question: Would a rose by another name smell as sweet? In the wake of my father-in-laws wake, I find myself overwhelmed with frustrating and equally joyful emotions. He was full of life, passion, and joy. I have been blessed, in a way no one else was afforded, to be both an outsider and an insider. As the son-in-law, Ive been just outside the inner circle... but close enough understand and be amazed. I have had the privilege to watch a man enjoy every minute he was given and enjoy it to the fullest. It was breathtaking, both watching and often times, trying to keep up. I think he probably worked harder than anyone I know and he definitely played harder. He loved the life he was given and shared it with so many. Thank you for including me Mi Suegro. But who was Osvaldo Bonelli? How can I answer a question like that? He called my son: Pichu. He called my daughter: Ana Compana. He called my oldest: Mi Dannia. He called my youngest: BICKY (YOU HAVE TO YELL IT! ). His face lit up when his grandkids ran to him... and they always ran to Ello. You are Bean. He loved the ocean. To his wife, he was Mi Amor. And to my sister-in-law, pappy. To his step son, tio. But to his step daughter, he will always be her dad. To his friends, he was the best there was. And to his son-in-law, the best I could have asked for. I am so grateful to have shared in the last 15 years of his life. 15 years. What did I see? He chose to love his friends... and they never doubted it. He chose to love his wife with a passion I envy. He chose to love his family with an intensity you could feel. He chose to become my wifes dad when her father wouldnt. He chose to love me too... gracias senior. We did not spend much time alone together... maybe because of the language barrier. I miss him. Oh, but we did have some one-on-one time. Many, many hours over the years... just me and him. There are so many memories. There are so many stories. Funnier than you can imagine and oh so clear in my mind. Pardon me for being selfish. But they are mine... and you cant have them. You wouldnt understand and Im not asking you to. There was a special bond there and its ours. We didnt start off too well but Im blessed to have heard that he loves me. And on his last trip... his last visit... thats when I heard what I had longed to hear for oh so long. Years of waiting find their fulfillment in the last days: my wifes dad loves me. I already knew. But I needed to hear it. Thank you Lord for the timing. Thank you Lord for the time! Oh... his barbecues were legendary and you should believe every word you hear. The Chivas Regal though is reserved for your memory, my friend. I cherish our last night of Carioca. Who won? Your partner Annabelle was the real winner and we all know it. But you were the winner too, no? Werent we all? So much love and so much joy. Such a great swan song. All of us. No agenda... no schedule... nothing to do the next day. It was perfect. How did you know? Thank you. Was he perfect... of course not. But he is now. Jesus Christ promised! He was a man. He was broken. He was like you. He was like me. But now... all that is fixed. He made a promise to my wife... to visit us in West Virginia. Despite the pain, he kept his word. Despite the distance, he kept his word. Despite everything surrounding the cancer, he kept his word. He let his family love on him and share in his last days, and for that I will always be thankful. You didnt think I saw you in pain on Christmas Eve with the kids but I did. You sir are made of what makes men... MEN. Whats in a name? I dont know. But the name Osvaldo Bonelli had one of the sweetest aromas. Thank you for the legacy. You trusted in Christ my brother and you have earned your rest. Saluté, cheers, y chado pescado. P.S. If you can read this somehow: Yo también te quiero!!! This song always reminds Daniela of you and thus is for tu. youtu.be/kMNPv_HXffQ
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 04:02:35 +0000
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