I was blessed, truly blessed, to have what I feel is the greatest father God could have given me. Likewise, I am also truly blessed to have been a part of Ron's life. I was blessed to share holidays, birthdays, and just about every other day between. There are so many memories I have of Ron, Mike, Ruthie, and the family that I can't even think of a time when Ron wasn't in some way connected with some important thing in my life when I was younger.
Ron's impact in my life was great. I highly doubt without Ron two things I greatly love would have even garnered a second glance from me. The first was a love of the Beatles. I've recounted on this blog previously how Ron would prepare his Sunday message the previous Saturday while listening to the Beatles. For some time, I just didn't "get" the Beatles. But, it was one Saturday night after Mike had already turned in that I sat in his kitchen. He made us some tea and the album "Let It Be" was on. It was the song, "I've Got A Feeling" that made me "get" it. In a sort of teenage epiphany, I turned to him and said something along the lines of, "Are you sure this is the Beatles?" His reply was, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure." I still rank "Let it Be" as perhaps my favorite Beatles album because it brings up in my mind such a vivid memory of the beginning of a lifelong love of music. And, I thank Ron for that.
Another love Ron passed onto me was baseball. For most of my life, I couldn't have cared about the Phillies, the Willie's, or what have you. But, when you become close with people such as Ron and Mike, that passion for the game is going to rub off on you. For me, it wasn't the act of playing the game (as my athletic skills were always somewhat lacking), it was more in the purity of the statistics. It was more in being in love with the numbers behind the game. I really went headlong into studying the game...I knew the lineup of the '69 Mets, Mickey's career numbers, Dennis Cook's penchant for sliding into first (which rubbed off into my own playing). So, I thank Ron for that as well.
But, most of all, I thank Ron for being a part of my life. While years have passed and sadly we grew apart because of distance, schedules, and just life in general...I always knew we had shared memories. We had shared a common bond. I know in some ways he will live on through me and those he had touched throughout his time.
Marion and I were talking about his long battle with cancer, and she just turned to me and said, "He's really an inspiration." I can't think of a better compliment to pay him. In so many ways Ron Dixon was a true inspiration. And, while he may have left us all to soon, I know he'll live on with every Beatles song I hear...with every RBI Chase Utley knocks in...with every inspiring sermon that is told. I love Ron. I miss him. May he finally have the rest he so richly deserves.
"if you have to go, don't say goodbye
if you have to go, don't you cry
if you have to go, I will get by
someday I'll follow you and see you on the other side"
For Martha, The Smashing Pumpkins
