Hi family and friends,

 Thanks so much for checking back here, we really appreciate it. All the love and supportive messages, calls, cards, and hugs we’ve gotten from everyone have been really comforting. Your thoughtfulness is a testament to how much Dad was loved. 

Well, it’s been just over a month since he passed, and we’re still processing that immense gap in our lives. This probably goes without saying, but we miss him like you can’t believe… During the last week of February Corey, Michael, Patty, and I met back in B’ham to clean out the condo. That's a view we'll certainly miss. As you can imagine, it was emotional in so many ways; but it was also a bonding experience for us. When we got there, we couldn’t believe how much Lynda had already done. All that sorting and packing. She deserves a lifetime supply of that white wine she loves so much (I may actually see to that), but we took her out to a nice to dinner for starters. Also largely through her efforts most of Dad’s furniture found loving homes, mainly to friends in need.  And huge thanks also go to the Kruhlak family for doing some of the heavy lifting there too. We owe you a few beers, Brian! 

Interestingly, while we were going through Dad’s stuff, we discovered numerous boxes of things we hadn’t seen in decades. Many of them contained random trinkets and odds and ends that had belonged to our grandma (and our oma) that we’re certain hadn’t seen sunlight since they were packed up prior to Dad moving up there. It was a trip down memory lane, to be sure. And fortunately those things found good homes too, mainly courtesy of the wonderful people of WeSnip (wesnip.org). So, kudos to them! During that week, Corey took the reigns and expertly organized the operation, navigating each step, making calls, hitting appointments, etc., like the natural leader he is. I don’t think there’s ever been a time—at least from my point of view—when his intrinsic ability to take the lead has been more appreciated. 

Another thing we all appreciated quite a lot while up there going through this experience was, frankly, each other. Whenever we're together, we just can’t help but enjoy each other’s company in a big way. I know Dad knew that and I know he’d be even happier knowing that we’ve been there for each other, will continue to be there, and always seem to make each other smile and laugh and feel great, even in this time of loss. 

During that week, as some of you know, we also celebrated Dad’s 80th birthday on February 26. We had a lovely dinner at Anthony’s (a place he very much liked), joined by our favorite local golfers, Brian and Christie Kruhlak. We raised a few glasses to the old guy and had a wonderful, heartfelt evening. We know he would have enjoyed it; he was certainly with us there in spirit…  

And speaking of spirits and raising a few, as Corey mentioned in his last post, this journey isn't quite over and we’re eyeing the last weekend of May for a big old-fashioned throw-down in his honor. Stay tuned to for more info on that. There’ll likely be a Kenneth Burton Invitational Tournament, at which all four of us will participate (really!), followed by the shindig at the clubhouse.  Because, like Kenny said on one of his last days, “Let’s meet in the bar!”  

Cheers!
Darren