It just keeps hitting me and sinking in more and more, and I feel like I should say more about him. His name was Norm and he has been a part of my life since I was about 7 years old. He had his problems but he was a very kind and big-hearted man and he loved doing things for people. He was so talented with building and wood work. I remember he made me a miniature stable for my Breyer horses, that I still have. He liked to make little wood animal figurines and paint them. He was just as talented at making big things as those smaller things. He had built workshops, chicken coops, even made an insert for the truck bed to make it a mini camper type thing with carpeting, two carpeted benches on either side with a middle insert that fit between to make a bed.

He took me fishing, drove us on Tablerock Lake in his boat. He even would go swimming in the lake with me, let me ride on his tractor mower with his homemade little trailer to haul firewood and various things. We even went bike riding together. He designed and built the deck on our house where I spent most of my growing up years. He loved to laugh and tease and joke. He would sit and socialize with anyone.

Grandma loved him so much. I keep hearing her tearful voice as she said she cannot imagine life without him there. I just hope she can find some peace and strength. He would want that for her too.