Just A Simple Piece of Duct Tape




This story of Dad is not exactly “my” story. It is not even an “inside joke” that I am in on nor do I feel I am completely clear on.

What I DO know is that this story consists of a catch phrase, written with love on a small piece of duct tape.

…Mom had just gotten off the phone with one of Dad’s best friends in the workplace. The request was…odd to say the least. Yet, it was sincere, priceless, beautiful in a unique way, and from the heart.

His friend had requested that we place a piece of duct tape in Dad’s shirt pocket as we laid him to rest, and on this piece of duct tape he requested the following phrase: “MS: Taking the High Road.” He had sent his sincerest apologies for not be able to make it to the viewing or funeral due to travel and all the restrictions weighing down on the world because of Covid-19.

We had assured him that we would gladly accommodate him. There was only one small problem. There was no duct tape to be found anywhere in the house. Now, I had the choice of either going back to town for another trip to the store OR swallow my pride and ask Dad’s next-door neighbor for a piece of duct tape. We opted for the ladder, and I walked across the street with my ‘peculiar’ request…

Intuitively, I know I should not be embarrassed by what I am about to share, but I sort of am. The neighbors answered the door and gave their sincerest condolences. As I entered their living room, I began to explain why I was needing any available duct tape. As I began to explain that this was a request from one of his dearest friends, I broke down into tears.

After apologizing through my sobs, the family lovingly assured me that I had nothing to apologize for. I needed my time to grieve, as well, and this house was obviously a loving safe place for me to do just that. By the time we all exchanged hugs and well wishes, I left their front porch with 3 ROLLS of duct tape!

Clearly, I would have to return this in due time, but we all shared a good laugh when I returned to the house. As my lovely wife, Heather, was unanimously selected to write the phrase on the duct tape with a Sharpie, the doorbell suddenly rang. Mom shared a few laughs, hugs, and kind words with this sweet neighbor and returned to the dining room with ANOTHER roll of duct tape. Befittingly, this one had the iconic emblem of Texas A&M all the way around. Dad was a proud undergraduate from Texas A&M just like his neighbor!

Heather carefully and meticulously wrote the phrase on the duct tape and then carefully attached a second piece of the Texas A&M duct tape (sticky side to sticky side) to the back of the original piece of duct tape cut from the roll.

…I am truly proud to say that this simple request was proudly followed through that afternoon. We all visited the funeral home and along with some peppermints and toothpicks (which Dad ALWAYS had readily available in his pockets), this small catchphrase written on this simple piece of duct tape was lovingly slipped into Dad’s shirt pocket for Dad to have close to his heart as he peacefully rests for eternity.

~

Thank you, family, and friends. Until next time, readers: this is “The Truman Blog”. I love you, Dad. Always and forever.

 

Your loving son,

~ Brian

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