With A Heavy Heart and Tears Of Memories

It still amazes me how much you can learn from conversation exchanged under 150 seconds. 2 1/2 minutes. 5 days a week. 52 weeks a year...

So often, we cross paths with impressionable people. People we develop a love comparable to that of a cousin. This is especially true for those who currently work or have worked in Customer Service...

We encounter individuals (aka Regulars) we issue nicknames, exchange warm words, divulge personal details, take your relationship outside the parameters of work by hanging out, etc... 

I've lost four. Each have lead me to prayer. One other to tears. My most recent loss has led me to an extended period of grief. I still suffer sadness and saturate my closed eyes with memories. Untimely. Heartbreaking. 

Our interactions began during the daily routine of wee-hour drive-thru exchanges as I learned to identify customers simply by their voice. This particular individual had a smile that was most infectious. He emitted an aura of authenticity. What you saw was what you got. 

Loyal, dedicated, honorable, loving, committed... He was the anchor of his family. A man who captured the love of his life and never wished to let go. A man who inspired his subordinates without even trying. A man one of his son's aspired to become and I'm convinced he need not even try for he is his father's shadow. A man anybody who ever met would be honored to know. 

I only had six months of interaction with them but it took me years to smile when I thought about my Aunt Net or Uncle Joe. 

I thank God every single day for crossing paths with such an amazing individual. Our memories dwell in a special place along with other loved ones to never be forgotten but instead celebrated. Rest in peace, Mr. McKinney and may you never suffer pain ever again. [And] Thank you for your service, 1SG.