Burkett family memorial fund
Donation protected
My parents have always told me I wear my emotions on my sleeve. I'll probably do it even more so in the coming days, weeks, months and years. I've been staring at those two sentences for what seems like forever because I have no idea how to say what I need to, but I'll try.
You may know my Dad as just my Dad, or maybe the die-hard Baltimore fan, the grumpy/sarcastic service writer at My Mechanic, a best friend, Uncle Rick, an older brother or any number of things. I know him as the best father I could every ask for. Since the days of going to Toys R' Us for the newest Mortal Kombat game at 8PM on a school week Sunday (that came with a free t-shirt I bet he saved) to buying me a beer at the Baltimore Orioles game last week. He has always been there for Mom, Justin and me.
Everyone wants that last opportunity to say something to a loved one before the chance is gone and I had a damn good opportunity at that. Sunday morning Dad and I went to breakfast at Double T Diner Ellicott City and talked and ate for an hour together. He did what he normally does and gave the waitress a sarcastic hard time. We hung out and talked for awhile at the house before I went home to get some things done and watch the NASCAR race. My interest in that race gave me one last opportunity to talk to my dad and tell him I love him. Every weekend we would talk multiple times throughout the race about how my boy Martin Truex Jr. was doing or how my fantasy team was doing. Sunday was no different. We talked one last time that night.
On Wednesday my Dad passed away. He was my best friend and best "Bubba." I can't believe it's real. I really cannot. He even went to work that day. If you ever wonder why I'm so hard headed and stubborn, he's why. I took the day off today, but I'm sure he'd tell me to show up tomorrow. No one can predict how or when this happens. Thankfully, he spent his last moments with my Mom and Kowe in our house. He even folded up the blanket he was sleeping with on the couch before he went to bed and I know he heard Mom tell him she loved him.
Within the last year we did so many things together. Justin and I went to the Black Sabbath show with him and my Aunt Dawn, Caitie and Patrick, we rocked out at the Metallica show, cheered on the Orioles, Justin and him religiously went to the Baltimore Ravens games and he even saw the ELITE Football team make and win in the playoffs! He also saw his two sons buy a house together and be involved in happy relationships.
All I've wanted to do this past few years was tune out everything and just make sure he and my mom were happy. He could tell me the same story about him & Uncle Terry at the Pro Football Hall of Fame or the times he spent with Joseph Lease in the Duster or the football games against the convicts or watching Victor beat some kid's ass on the wrestling mat for biting him 100 more times and I'd still just listen because he wanted to talk to me.
I want everyone to know you might not get that last chance or have all the opportunities I did so forget about any issue you have with a friend or loved one and just enjoy the moment. There's not enough time in life to be or stay mad at people. You think it won't happen to you or it's just things you hear about on tv. It's real.
Thank you for all the love and support we've received. I sincerely appreciate it. I will update everyone with more information later if you would like to pay your respects at the viewing or funeral.
Love you Dad,
- Bubba
Even though our dad would never ask for donations, if you feel inclined to give to our campaign it will be greatly appreciated to help cover funeral costs. Donations of any kind are appreciated. Thank you all for the love and support.
You may know my Dad as just my Dad, or maybe the die-hard Baltimore fan, the grumpy/sarcastic service writer at My Mechanic, a best friend, Uncle Rick, an older brother or any number of things. I know him as the best father I could every ask for. Since the days of going to Toys R' Us for the newest Mortal Kombat game at 8PM on a school week Sunday (that came with a free t-shirt I bet he saved) to buying me a beer at the Baltimore Orioles game last week. He has always been there for Mom, Justin and me.
Everyone wants that last opportunity to say something to a loved one before the chance is gone and I had a damn good opportunity at that. Sunday morning Dad and I went to breakfast at Double T Diner Ellicott City and talked and ate for an hour together. He did what he normally does and gave the waitress a sarcastic hard time. We hung out and talked for awhile at the house before I went home to get some things done and watch the NASCAR race. My interest in that race gave me one last opportunity to talk to my dad and tell him I love him. Every weekend we would talk multiple times throughout the race about how my boy Martin Truex Jr. was doing or how my fantasy team was doing. Sunday was no different. We talked one last time that night.
On Wednesday my Dad passed away. He was my best friend and best "Bubba." I can't believe it's real. I really cannot. He even went to work that day. If you ever wonder why I'm so hard headed and stubborn, he's why. I took the day off today, but I'm sure he'd tell me to show up tomorrow. No one can predict how or when this happens. Thankfully, he spent his last moments with my Mom and Kowe in our house. He even folded up the blanket he was sleeping with on the couch before he went to bed and I know he heard Mom tell him she loved him.
Within the last year we did so many things together. Justin and I went to the Black Sabbath show with him and my Aunt Dawn, Caitie and Patrick, we rocked out at the Metallica show, cheered on the Orioles, Justin and him religiously went to the Baltimore Ravens games and he even saw the ELITE Football team make and win in the playoffs! He also saw his two sons buy a house together and be involved in happy relationships.
All I've wanted to do this past few years was tune out everything and just make sure he and my mom were happy. He could tell me the same story about him & Uncle Terry at the Pro Football Hall of Fame or the times he spent with Joseph Lease in the Duster or the football games against the convicts or watching Victor beat some kid's ass on the wrestling mat for biting him 100 more times and I'd still just listen because he wanted to talk to me.
I want everyone to know you might not get that last chance or have all the opportunities I did so forget about any issue you have with a friend or loved one and just enjoy the moment. There's not enough time in life to be or stay mad at people. You think it won't happen to you or it's just things you hear about on tv. It's real.
Thank you for all the love and support we've received. I sincerely appreciate it. I will update everyone with more information later if you would like to pay your respects at the viewing or funeral.
Love you Dad,
- Bubba
Even though our dad would never ask for donations, if you feel inclined to give to our campaign it will be greatly appreciated to help cover funeral costs. Donations of any kind are appreciated. Thank you all for the love and support.
Organizer and beneficiary
Justin Burkett
Organizer
Ellicott City, MD
Karen Burkett
Beneficiary
