Bert Rettner Joins Dad

My dad’s very close friend, Bert Rettner, passed away today some 15 minutes after my mother visited with him.  Bert often visited my dad in the hospital and was a source of support for my dad during his battle with MCC.

Bert and my dad played great bridge together.  They made an excellent team, and I find comfort in imagining that my dad is right now welcoming Bert and sitting down with him for some hands of bridge.  My dad was a Life Master in bridge.  With Bert’s arrival, I imagine they are now both working toward becoming After-Life Masters in bridge.

Five months out and I still miss my dad every day.  Bert’s passing reminds me that we all end up in the same place – it is not a matter of whether we go there, but when.  Dad loved Johnny Cash, and this passage is particularly poignant: 

Daddy sang bass, 

Mama sang tenor.

Me and little brother would join right in there.

Cause singing seems to help a troubled soul.

One of these days and it won't be long,I'll rejoin them in a song.

I'm gonna join the family circle at the Throne.

Oh, no the circle won't be broken.

By and by, Lord, by and by.