The Sun is in The Sky

My husband's cousin died in his sleep last night at the age of 59.  Frank was a one-of-a-kind character, creative and funny.  Like all of us, he had his share of challenges, most recently some serious medical ones. But he had recovered well and had moved to Cuenca, Ecuador in September of last year. He treated us to a blog about his exploits there, and we were lucky enough to experience Cuenca, if only vicariously, through his photos and words.

Whenever we spoke to Frank by phone, whoever made the call would announce themselves by singing the intro to M.C. Hammer's "Can't Touch This." (Don't ask.)  And invariably, one of us would also quote the Little Rascals ("The sun is in the sky.")  Through these in-jokes, as well as our shared memories, particularly of our swimming adventure at Brush Creek Falls in 1990, we formed an unlikely friendship.  After all, I was just a cousin-in-law, and we saw each other rarely, mostly at Crandell Family reunions. Still, Frank would call periodically to give us the low down on what he was up to and to ask about our family's doings. I always enjoyed hearing from him; his life was never dull, or if it was, he embellished.  I think his craziness complemented my craziness; we just "got"each other.

Anyway, Frank's sudden, early passing confirms for me just how much each of us, in our inimitable uniqueness, touches those with whom we come in contact. We can only guess at the impact we have on others.

Frank, your light will always shine in my memory... The sun is in the sky.