In some ways it seems like it has been a series of funerals since we moved here two years ago. Six to be exact. Make that seven.
Stanley E. Collins passed away last Friday morning. Stan was my across-the-street neighbor growing up and the father of my best friend Elizabeth - Liz. Both being the youngest of five by several years - we were "the girlies" - pretty much inseparable during our growing up years. And so the Collins' home was a second home to me - and Stan, like a second father. A few knocks on their door and a "come in!" and there he was, always ready with a "Hey Em!" and a big hug. He was full of enthusiasm and always seemed anxious to do something special for "the girlies" - like a trip to 7-eleven for slurpees or to rent a video for the almost weekly sleepovers. Stan definitely had a soft spot for his little girl Liz - and we sometimes used that to our advantage. Like the time we really wanted baby bunnies for Easter. After my parents said "no" we asked Stan and as planned - he got us some bunnies! Stan had a great sense of humor and always had a story to tell. He was also a big gamer and many of my childhood memories of time with the Collins involved playing games - such as trivial pursuit and card games.
As the years went by and I got married - his love and generosity continued. He allowed Wes and I to stay in the Collins' cabin for part of our honeymoon - and even sent us off with a generous amount of spending money. And later when I was just barely pregnant with Addie, the Collins invited me to travel with Liz and her parents to New York City and to see some church history sites. I remember him being very patient with my first trimester complaints.
Stan was a good man with a big heart. This silly post does not even come close to expressing my feelings of love and admiration for this man. I am still in shock that he is gone. It became more real when I saw his picture and read his obituary tonight. Then the tears really started to fall. I just can't believe it. And my dear, dear friend Liz. My heart goes out to her, her mother and her family at this time.
You can read his obituary here.
4 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear of his loss. My heart goes out to you.
This is a beautiful tribute. Those are some wonderful memories that you shared and if sounds like he was a tremendous man in many ways. My best to you and to all of the Collins' family.
I met Liz once, and she seemed so nice. What fun memories you had with her Dad. If everyone could make people feel so special the way he did, then it would be a better place.
I want to belong to your family. You guys do such fun things and you are always so creative. I love that you have old pictures on your fingertips. I loved looking at them.
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