They say the unknown can be filled with wonder and joyous beauty.
I’ve always found it to be filled with shock and awe.
I’m sure many of you were puzzled by my Niagara Falls Comic-Con post; I know I was. I kept thinking, “This is the best I can do? Where is the unbridled enthusiasm of a lifelong comic geek?”
Well, I’ll tell you something, folks… My zeal evaporated Saturday morning when the phone rang at 8:30 A.M and my father-in-law told me something that has changed all our lives in the days since.
One of our oldest and dearest family friends passed away Friday and after the news sank in, I simply couldn’t unleash my inner child all over a comic book convention. Its as simple as that.
I had a blast, of course, the organizers knocked themselves out and really changed the landscape of my little home forever. Niagara Falls has needed an event of this caliber for years now and I love the fact the naysayers were pulverized by the turnout. The future looks bright for ‘cons in Niagara.
As for myself… its funny how we internalize grief, isn’t it? My first thoughts were directed to our good friend, Jim, of course, but then I thought of how much our lives were about to change.
My father-in-law met Jim every day for coffee… Without fail. They rekindled their youthful energies and hung out like two kids on summer vacation. I hope I have a good friend like Jim to brighten my twilight years when they finally arrive.
As for the present, I hope to rekindle my enthusiasm for all things douchebag by our next visit together. Take care of yourselves, in the meantime, okay?
You've Been Hooked! 
Aw Hook, I’m so sorry. Knowing you, you will have VampireLover and some good buddies to hang out with and have a coffee with everyday when the twilight appears. So sorry for the loss of your Senior Fam. Member. xo
Thanks, young woman. Talk to you soon.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss, Hook. Your father-in-law will need something to fill in those wonderful coffee mornings; he’ll feel quite a void for a while. But I know you and your family will do whatever it takes to help him through this, and to get each other through as well. Comforting hugs to you all from the Daisy family.
We appreciate it, Daisy family.
My condolences. Don’t rush back to ranting about douchebags on our account.
I’ll be along soon.. No rush, right?
Right.
My condolences for you and your father-in-law and family. Hugs and prayers.
Thanks, young lady.
I shared your post about the KKK adopting a highway on my FB and it’s spawned a bit of a conversation, along with some more passing along of your post. I know we all love new readers, but isn’t it sad when we get them because other people are so darn stupid?
Well, as long as something positive is achieved, all is well, right?
Right! Apparently there are other states where the highways are covered with signs that say “Adopted by the KKK” … Wonder if the Black Panthers could get in on that? Create a bidding war of sorts for their chunks of highway?
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of someone so special in your lives….Sending hugs to you and your family..especially your Father.
Thank you so much. WordPress bloggers are the best.
Dearest Hook and VampireLover, I am so sorry for the loss of your father-in-law’s companion and friend and for the rest of the family. I will be thinking of you in this time.
Thank you, Jo. You’ve always been a wonderful friend.
As have you Hook. Hope you guys are doing okay. But idf not then that’s okay…well you know what I mean. sometimes you just have to let yourselves feel it to be able to one day put it aside.
Very true…
I’m sorry man. Take you’re time, there’s no rush.
Thanks, my friend.
Sorry to hear that! I am glad to see the turnout was great.
Me too!
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. It’s always hard to lose someone as special as Jim sounded. Take your time. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
I can’t thank you enough…
So sorry to hear that. You are still awesome though.
You too, Becca!
Losing a friend, especially one with whom you shared your daily coffee, hurts. But you will always have the memories of the times together to fill your hearts. Hugs to you and your family, Hook.
Thank you, Marcia.
My condolences, man. Keep your head up, and I wish you and your family the best.
Thank you… My new friend.
Yes, my dear Hook…. Your ‘unbridled enthusiasm of a lifelong comic geek’, no doubt, will return however; as an avid reader of your blog I say – allow the love, dear one…. allow yourself to grieve and savour the past; it makes our present so real….
You always bring something thought-provoking to the table…
Thank you.
So sorry to hear about your friend. That’s hard. Comic con looks like a ton of fun! I need to go one of these days!
You sure do!
I’d love to read that post!
Sorry to her about your loss – especially for your father-in-law.
Lots of love sx
Appreciate it, young lady.
So sorry for your loss. Grieving is such an odd thing—full of sadness, ache and love. I wish you and yours all the healing possible.
Thank you, August.
Sorry for your family’s loss, Hook.
No need to rush back with the douchebag-bashing… it’s always worth waiting for!
Thanks, Val.
Mister The Hook and the Hook Family;
I had to smile when you talked about your father meeting up with Jim for coffee on a daily basis and being reminded of their youth. I hope your family remembers the good times they had with Jim as he sounds like quite the character.
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Jim was the best… hands down.
My sympathy to you and your family on the death of your family friend. My you all find peace.
As always, you chose your words carefully my friend. Thank you.
Take your time, care for your family, and allow the grief to settle. We’ll all be here when you return. Losing a best friend is always hard, especially at Jim’s age. ((hugs)) xo
Thank you for your kindness, Jennifer.
Hugs my friend….xoxox
You rock, Princess.
Hey Hook sorry about your loss.. take your time…
hugs and tc
Thank you, young lady. Talk to you soon.
Hook I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with your father-in-law and all of your family. Take your time.
Will do. Thank you.
I’m so sorry, Hook, for your loss – and am thinking of you. Sending hugs and saying prayers xxx
I appreciate them both. Thank you.
Sounds like quite a loss. Hugs and warm positive energy sent. Good time to remember to appreciate all around every day.
That can be difficult to do, but you’re right… Its worth the effort.
Glad that your father in law has great memories of your friend.
And glad you have great comic con memories to insulate you from the douchebags.
I sure do! Thanks.
Oh The Hook and VampireLover! I find the Universe to never be lacking in the oxymorons it throws around. Two majors at the EXACT same time. A wonderful, much anticipated event in your town that promises to bring more of the same, in turn helping to support The Hook famiglia.
Then the bittersweet moment of the change of a dear Human Being into a Spirit only. Know that the energy of every person (douchbags and not) stays with us. Some are faint and small, like dust. Others are Large and encompassing, like a blanket. Jim was like a blanket to all of you. He is there anytime you want to talk or listen to him or see what he is thinking. You just have to close your eyes and allow him to be present with you. Dad(in-law) needs something ot someone new to meet for coffee. Maybe a grandson/daughter, niece or nephew? Or another friend of Jim’s.
Allow the feelings of the grief process to be a part of you all and then let them go on back into the Flow.
I am SOOO happy the Comic CON went so well! I thought I told you I had been to Niagara Falls once, though we stayed in Buffalo (an old spooky place there).
We have LOTS of CONS in Indy and we LOVE LOVE LOVE them! Know for sure that Jim wants you to continue to be the Best Hook you can be, enthusiasm, rants and all!
Cheers to the entire Hook clan (including Jim!) Much Love…AmberLena
I really don’t know what to say… Your words honor us – and Jim. Thank you so much.
Honored!
Haven’t been around much, and am so sorry to hear about this loss, the first time I’m stopping back by. No need to apologize to anyone though, for what you are or are not up to doing. One thing I’ve learned this past year in blogging is that the audience is much wider than I ever anticipated. It matters little what you write about, or even how well you write at times, there will always be ‘someone’ who takes something away from it. And you are ridiculously brilliant…so no worries, k? 😉
Your words humble me, young lady. Thank you.
Tough loss, my friend. Hang in there, Hook family. I feel your pain.
I appreciate your empathy and friendship. Thank you.
What a thoughtful and considerate kid you are. The size of your heart is admirable. STAY YOUNG! I look fwd to reading your next Comic Con post – when you go full unbridled. (-: Be encouraged and stay geeky!
I’ll try to get to it soon…
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http://onlinedatingjournal.wordpress.com/2012/06/14/your-blog-is-lovely/
Sorry to hear that, Hook. Take care.
Thank you. Take care of yourself, too.
Sorry for your families loss Hook, all the best mate.
mLr
All the best to you, as well. Thank you for taking the time to visit.
Sorry to hear about your loss. Sometimes that happens. You have this big event you’ve been looking forward to for weeks and something tragic happens. So it does kind of change perspective. I’m glad you were still able to go, though. Sending you positive vibes.
Thank you, my friend.