My Friend

This is one of my favorite pictures of Emil and Missy. I believe that this picture shows exactly what Emil felt for me.  I can see it in his face - the love and the care that he gave me.  April 11th is the first birthday without Emil and I wanted to take a minute to write and share him, again, with you.  

Last year at this time, we were one month in the COVID lock down and I couldn't visit with him. He was in the category for high risk and I wouldn't take the chance of passing along the virus to him. For his birthday, I ordered sidewalk chalk and I asked my friend Mike, who is a manager at a grocery store, if he could get me a cake for Emil's birthday. It had to be chocolate with lots of frosting because Emil had a tremendous sweet tooth! 

That morning, before the sun came up, I got to work writing Emil's birthday "card" on the street in front of his house.  Even though we couldn't safely visit with him, he still went out most mornings and had coffee on the front porch.  I wanted him to see it as soon as he went outside. 

When he saw this, he couldn't get over it!  He called me and kept saying "Well, I'll be."  "You did that for me?".  Yup.  Emil, I did this for you. 

Emil was such a good friend and I miss him dearly. We used to talk every day - just to check in with each other. He was a fine man and he exemplified every good trait that you would expect and want in a friend.  Emil was kind, thoughtful and extremely loyal. He treated everyone, every single person he met, with respect. He appreciated and recognized the little things that people did for him and he told them and showed them. It didn't matter who they were, or what they did, he appreciated and acknowledged kindness. Even after his death, I learned of the incredible selfishness of my friend. I know how much his friendship meant to me and the fact that he felt the same for me, is something that I will always treasure. 

While Emil was teaching Missy new tricks, whether he knew it or not, he was also teaching me as well. I will forever be grateful for his kindness and love and for all that he taught me. I still reinforce the tricks that Emil worked so hard and diligently teaching Missy. Whenever she has a good lesson, she gets an extra treat and loving. I tell her that Emil would be so proud of her. 

Happy Birthday dear Emil. 💓💓💓