In loving memory of my dad, James Arthur Weatherbee, who passed away on April 17th, 2017.
My dad loved my mom from the moment he laid eyes on her. But that was not the case for her. She had refused his numerous offers to go on a date because she thought he was too nerdy, and besides she didn't really date white guys. Then one day he tripped and broke his nose. He looked so pathetic with his swollen, bandaged face that my mom finally agreed to go out with him. She discovered that in spite of his nerdiness he was brilliant, kind and funny. And so she married him. And she stood by his side til the very end, with tenacious loyalty and dedication. My dad always had a way with words, but dementia slowly robbed him of the ability to speak. Some of the last words he knew how to say were "I Love You". He made great effort to remember these words and practice them. He clung to them ferociously. He would shout them repeatedly, even if it was inappropriate or embarrassing - at the movies or the symphony, in the mall or the grocery store. People must have thought he was crazy or mentally disturbed - a crooked man in a wheelchair shouting wildly. But I know he was not crazy. He was a genius and a prophet. He had looked death in the eyes and spoke the truth. I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU. In the end, these are the only words that matter.