Lora was assigned to be my roommate my freshman year at college. I’ve considered her my best friend ever since, and value my friendship with her immeasurably. Consequently, I knew Roy as my friend’s father. I was immediately intrigued and perplexed by him at the same time. He was so unconventional (and I really think he’d consider that a compliment coming from someone whose definition of conventional was shaped largely in Utah County).
At that point I didn’t know too many fathers who loved gambling, Pinochle, tuica, democratic politics, Faulkner and education with as much passion as he did. He was a fantastic mix of contradictions and I liked him immediately. I’m sure my entire life whenever I see The Sound and the Fury on a bookshelf I’ll think of him.
I had the wonderful opportunity of traveling around Romania with Roy and Lora one summer and spending several weekends with them in Mesquite, Nevada. But still, I can’t pretend to know him personally that well. What I do know is that I really liked him; he was a great conversationalist, extremely opinionated, and he loved Lora and her brothers in his own, unconventional, way. I love the Bird family almost as much as my own. My love, thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Thanks, Becky. I remember those trips to Mesquite, even though they feel like a million years ago.
ReplyDeleteHey Becky. Thank you for your thoughts. It's cool the different touch points you had with Dad over the many years you've been a part of our family.
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