HERspective: The empty chair |
Columnist Marilyn Watson reflects on losing her father during the holiday season of 1968
“Sharing tales of those we’ve lost is how we keep from really losing them.” – Mitch Albom
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There is nothing sadder or more difficult than losing a loved one when it’s supposed to be a festive occasion.
Bryan Keller died in his sleep on the night of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. He was the father of Clayton Keller, the captain of the NHL’s Utah Mammoth. Bryan was 65 while Clayton is 27. I can relate.
My tale is about my dad. Like Bryan Keller, my dad died in his sleep on Saturday, Dec. 7, 1968.
On that Friday night, my husband and I had visited my parents. Everyone in the family was there which was a rare occurrence – my mom, seven months pregnant with my youngest brother, my sister with her three-month-old baby girl, my two younger brothers and my other two sisters. Dad was seated in his armchair getting ready to head out to the legion to hang out with his own brothers. He scanned the room – “Well, look at this! The whole clan is here.” All of us together. Those were the last words I........