It was so
hard to say goodbye for the last time yesterday to one you love especially when they have
always shown you love, compassion, and freely accepted you as his one of his
children. I am talking about William
Key, my mother’s beloved husband of 20 years before she passed on December 30,
2014. Such devotion shared between them became a legendary experience to see in
our family. He was a man of faith, a God loving man, read his Bible, and shared
in the discussions during our nightly Bible study time we had with my mother
who was his wife.
My Uncle
Elwin Buck was instrumental in their “courtship”. He was the director of the
Single Adults in our church and also William’s barber so on one of those visits
he inquired about the friendly pretty auburn haired woman in his Sunday School
class. He explained that Margaret was his sister and William asked for her
phone number. My uncle approved and gave
him the number. As is a common phrase “The rest is history.” and what a history
they began to share.
Notice
that I did not say step-dad since to me he was “pops” or William. Life is full
of choices and with his wedding ring came four adult children that he freely
chose to love just as my mother chose to love the three adult children that
came with her wedding ring. We became officially seven siblings on June 25,
1994 and for me that remains the same. He
brought joy to our life with each warm, engaging smile and that special twinkle
in his eye would always cause a smile from others. It felt like an invitation
to share in a conversation. He had an easy laugh and could blush like no man I
knew which was quite endearing.
William
loved us and included us in his life and always introduced me as his daughter which
felt just like a fatherly hug. His life was full of love, laughter, children,
grandchildren, etc., plus shared vacations, meals shared, weddings, even baby
showers, plus he and mom attended every Federation gala with me, fire
department functions with Rebecca, and just about every invitation received he
and mom attended together. When it came to food he loved, loved pork chops. At
the top of the list with pork chops was John Wayne. He even has a large as life poster of him in
their bedroom. My mom questioned it when they married and then again when they
bought their last home together. His response was always the same “Margaret,
John Wayne stays.” and she always said okay. I laughed each time the subject of
John Wayne arose. He received lots of John Wayne memorabilia since then and he
was always thrilled. Then again William was always easy to please and he
appreciated everything and everyone in his life.
Such was
the man I loved and greatly respected as an active part of my life. We will
visit plus share stories about him during the visitation this Friday May 27th
from 5pm to 8pm and his funeral is Saturday May 28th’ at 10am, both
at the Rosewood Funeral Home, 22271 Hwy 59 North, Porter, TX 77365.
I have the
assurance of knowing that I will see him later. Memories.