We were within a few hours of finally putting that bitch of a year down…that 2021. We could see the finish line…we even allowed ourselves the unsure luxury of exhaling – just a little because we were actually feeling 2022’s clean slate ahead. ALMOST there. We were putting one foot in front of the other and were sure the new lightness of the new year would help us heal from life’s nasty turns. Then that bitch stuck her foot out and we fell flat on our face with the loss of STAN MELTON JR.

Stan reminds me of the Jimmy Stewart character in It’s A Wonderful Life. He had friends far and wide who didn’t just like him, they adored him. And why not? Can anyone name a more fun, talented, kind man? Go ahead – try. It won’t work. Stan won in all categories. His enthusiasm was contagious. His thoughtfulness legend.

He loved his job. He loved a business that was not all that kind or rewarding to him. He was over the moon crazy in love with his family. The whole enchilada as they say in his beloved San Antonio.

The very last communication with him (he was the best communicator) was on his FB page where he had posted a beautiful picture of two family members. The family was together for what was no doubt a happy holiday. Nothing is better than having your children be happy was my response. He put a heart on it…and now so many hearts of people who loved Stan are broken. I saw that as I heard the news of his passing.

Words just fail when overflowing emotions hit. So let’s slam the door on this monster year and let’s enter 2022 not sheepishly or in hopes of not being hurt, but in love and kindness like Stan would. Don’t you hope he and Betty White are having a blast together?