SHINE

I knew him for only a little over ten months. He and his daughter moved from Alabama and into our home last December, just after Christmas. He was born in Finland and I like to think that’s where he got his stoical bearing. He never complained about the cancerous pain that I now realize has afflicted him recently. In his youth, he was a competitive athlete, a champion who carried himself with the dignity of a lion. He was a true gentleman and always eager to be near us but was never intrusive, never demanding. He listened intently to my dissertations even though I’m sure it was nonsense to him. He was kind, affectionate, never loud or unruly, but always ready for a romp. His given name was Dragon’s Fire Time To Shine. He died today. We will miss him dearly.