Raymond lived and died with us…father number 2 – step father number 1…a gentle man who blessed our lives as young children and then as seemed to be the tragic script of our lives was taken away through a protracted painful battle with lung cancer. Raymond was a funny guy…a Frenchmen who called my mothers hysterical breaks “making movies” and who’s favorite joke following a 40-of-vodka was, “What did God say when he created Eve…Whoa Man!”…he lived laughter right up until his final night and through him I learned to laugh through adversity and find the humor in all things. He also taught me to explore the things I did not understand…at my young age this translated to rebuilding TV’s and bicycles from scavenged parts and pieces…perhaps because Raymond lead us on regular pilgrimages to the local dump where we rooted through other peoples discarded waste searching for clothing, furniture and treasures…and there always seemed to be plenty of TV’s and bicycles to haul home, ha. Once my brother even found an ancient ceremonial Gurkha Knife at the dump…not sure what Saturday night it eventually bank-rolled though…and I remember, at one corner of the dump the sweetest red tomatoes and the crunchiest miniature yellow potatoes…too funny. My recollection of learning Raymond had cancer is less clear, but as his cancer progressed the memories become more lucid up until the very night he passed away including helping him with his syringe of morphine that evening to help manage his pain and suffering…I had practiced with my mother on oranges until the delivery technique and measurements had been perfected…he proclaimed is strength as strong as a grizzly bear and growled as he often did – though on this fateful night it seemed less conviction and more assurance for my benefit. He passed away in his sleep sometime in the night and left us forever…another candle of light blown out and with it more of life’s hard lessons…still, I watched him die with dignity and a strength of character and laughter I have never seen since…an important lesson in itself. Rest in peace Raymond…your memory lives.
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Lawrence Lewis
“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.” ~C.C. Scott
About Lawrence Lewis
I do a number of things professionally...but most of all and the true purpose of what I do through "my work" is to provide for my family, be a good husband and great father, and try to make a difference as a world citizen...I guess it's not much more complicated than that 🙂