Jimmy (my dad) grew up treated in a way so poorly they could write books about it. It was a sad story. Unfortunately he let those memories blur the person and father he could have been. He never could shake loose of his past and he carried it with him.
The last half of his life was almost as bad as the beginning. He battled homelessness and addiction. He surrounded himself with other people who were broken like him.
I hadn’t seen him in 13.5 years until they called me this week to say he was dying. He passed away yesterday, but I’m not sad about that. I think he’ll move on to a better place than this world was for him. I am sad when I look at a small glimpse of the good times we had together.
He wasn’t all bad. In fact if you knew him when he was still with me and my mom then you knew he was fun, and sweet, and most of all he was funny. I’ll try to remember him that way.
9 months agogreteparrislamb
That Parris sense of humor always amazed me. How they could come from something so awful and still laugh about it all. Light in the darkness for those kids. It covered for a lot. Feeling this with you, cousin. Carrying compassion for our dads and aunts and uncles but also profound sadness at what so many of them couldn’t see or do for the next generation. So proud of who you are and what you and Carson have become together. I think Jimmy was proud of you for that too, even if he wasn’t able to say it. I know Mark was. ❤️
9 months agorichieholt69
I met your Dad in the 1980s . He was kind and friendly to me. I am aware of his hardships , and I am sorry that they caused great damage. We are thinking of you. We loved reading your thoughts. Richie
9 months agonursekorah
So sorry my friend! Sounds like complicated grief. I had similar when my Dad passed 2 years ago. Sending love! ❤️
9 months agochristopherholtfineart
Beautiful testimony my friend- you carry all that great Parris kindness & charm- thank you for sharing, And here’s to Jimmy & that better place. One Love from Kim & I
9 months agocredricwilliams
For the fairly short time I’ve known you; I felt compelled to tell you how much I admire your grit. Navigating the loss of both parents recently—especially with the added weight of a complicated relationship with your father is a lot. The way you’ve remained a rock for your family through much adversity is a true testament to your character. I have a massive amount of respect for the man, husband, and father you are. 😊 ❤️
9 months agoloucook221
I’m sorry Sandy… I will always remember him as the cool neighborhood dad who let us play basketball in the back yard for hours on end on school nights. He was always so kind. Sending light & love dear friend. ❤️
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