Thank you all for the thoughts, prayers, and smoke. It means more than you'll know.

Oddly enough, I'm usually exceptionally tight lipped about personal and emotional matters but over the past year I've watched the Yard help brothers through a lot of hard times. Knowing the Yard's genuine concern for each other made it possible for me to trust in you all.

My dad and I left a lot of issues unsettled. There were things we needed to say and do, but it didn't happen. However, I know my father's faith and that one day we'll be able to start over and have the relationship we both wanted.

PoP, my dad's name was Gary Thomas.

We have finalized the arrangements. We'll have visitation and a regular service in Alabama next week. The following day he'll be brought to my home town for a military burial.

It will be a while before I can return to the yard, but know that my family sincerely appreciates all of you.

Thank you all again,
Gary Thomas II