# RIP Tide

By [Ram](https://paragraph.com/@ram008) · 2023-07-24

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The tallest tree in our neighborhood has fallen. The tower at the end of the street, a WW II veteran, someone who endeared us with his stories, his indomitable spirit, his impeccable sense of humor, and above all his kindness. Life takes its course and comes to take back what it gives, that is a given. But to live a complete life, almost entirely on our own terms is a gift for a select few. Some of that depends on us being ready to accept the gift, os even if it is offered to a few, even fewer are able to get it. This was a man that got to it.

T.R will be missed, his patriotism to raise the flag on every national holiday, being the first in our neighborhood to bring out the stars and stripes. The stars and stripes will rise again this Labor Day, but amongst those stars, one of them will be T.R. Very few people live to become something of a mythical being, this man next door stood as one of those. Yes, he fell to life as we all will, but almost all the way, he stood with his head high, walked up and down the stairs himself, lived in his own house and did not depend on anyone.

Hats off and salute to the Captain!

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*Originally published on [Ram](https://paragraph.com/@ram008/rip-tide)*