My final dad update

It has taken me two days to be able to blog this -- my apologies -- so here goes:

My dad passed away early Tuesday morning, June 2. While I am sad to see him go, I am very relieved that he is out of his pain and back with my mom, which I really think he wanted all along.

He'll be cremated in the next day or so, and at some future date, we'll a private family memorial at a location yet to be determined (kicking around a number of ideas).

As I have been thinking about what to say here, I recalled one of my favorite and touching moment in a move. This exchange in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan between Admiral Kirk and his son David always leaves me with a lump in my throat. I think my dad and I were a little closer than Kirk and David were, still this exchange really means a lot to me:

"David Marcus: Lieutenant Saavik was right: You never have faced death.

Kirk: No. Not like this. I haven't faced death. I've cheated death. I've tricked my way out of death and patted myself on the back for my ingenuity. I know nothing.

David Marcus: You knew enough to tell Saavik that how we face death is at least as important as how we face life.

Kirk: Just words.

David Marcus: But good words. That's where ideas begin. Maybe you should listen to them. I was wrong about you. And I'm sorry.

Kirk: Is that what you came here to say?

David Marcus: Mainly. And also that I'm proud - very proud - to be your son. "