Grief ... and more

I know it may sound depressing, but my most memorable experience at UD was this:

In December ’77, it was my freshman year, and I was living in Stuart Hall when my father passed away. I had to drop everything. (I took my finals when I got back, dealing with the blizzard of ’78 — but that’s another story.)

Suddenly, I’m the man of the house. My mom and my two younger sisters are as broken up as I am, but I had to show resolve to get us all through the funeral and burial. All was going well at the viewing. We’re talking to family and friends, and I decide to stroll around and look at the flower arrangements surrounding my dad.

I’m looking — this one from my grandparents, this one from my aunt and uncle, and there’s this beautiful white arrangement in the corner with the tag turned over. I walked to it, flipped over the card. I lost it!

The card says “SIXTH FLOOR EAST — The University of Dayton.” I felt so grateful to all the great guys on that floor — All the Bud-Man, Spiller, Keith, Todd, Sharkey, Steve (my roommate), Gary, Aaron, Joel, Ralph, the Bobs, Paul, Danny and the rest. (You know who you are.)

Wonderful people touched me at a tough time. I will remember their love and kindness forever. 

“Dayton Diary” is a series of short, personal UD stories: quirky encounters, lighthearted moments or heartwarming snippets. Why not write one yourself and send it (up to 300 words) to magazine@udayton.edu. Put “Dayton Diary” in the subject line.