As many of you know my father-in-law (
Rick Collins) passed away on Saturday at 1:45pm. It's been a long last few months and I'm glad that it is over. The reason for this is because it was time. I'll quote the wisest man ever regarding the timing of everything under the sun:
A Time for Everything
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
These past few months have been trying, but have been anything but tragic. I first met Rick after dating Erin for over 3 months. The first time we met he took me on a journey through some of his adult life and he also shared some of Erin's accomplishments. Boy was he proud of her! He was very wise and sincere. I big man with a bigger heart that was never afraid to shed a tear. And that is how I will always remember him.
He lived life well and left this world the same way. The outpouring of love and support was overwhelming at times and I think the Collins family has stored enough to eat for the next 2 months. The impact he made in the lives of others simply can not be missed. I will likely be reflecting on this whole experience in the months to come. I hope that I can lead my life in such a way as to pass away surrounded by so much love.
