Franky

Franky and Lula, 1998.

UPDATE:

I just received an email from Franky's daughter. He passed away peacefully August 6th. Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed.

I'm devastated.



I first met Franky in 1984 when I was 16 years old. He was friends with my ex-husbands parents.

He was the first non-relative to hold Oldest when he was born 2 years later.

We kept in touch off and on throughout the years, but our friendship was really cemented when I moved back to Orange County after I had Youngest in 1996.

Youngest called him "Grandpa Franky". We went to Grandpa Franky's house for a meal at least twice a week, just to visit and enjoy each others company.

Things got really crazy for me shortly after that picture was taken. And every once in a while I would just need to get the hell away from the crowd I was running around with, and at those times I'd call Franky and spend the weekend with him, away from the insanity.

He never judged me. He was always there to lend a hand. He would do anything for me, and he did.

Franky has suffered a massive stroke. He can no longer eat or walk, and he is in a hospice care home that is working hard at keeping him comfortable.

I spoke with him this morning, and while he was so excited I called, I could tell it was a bit too much effort to talk on the phone. I told him I loved him and would call him again soon. He asked after the kids and told me this-

"You take good care of your husband and children."

And I promised him I would.