Dad's birthday tough after his death

Dad would have celebrated a birthday this past Thursday. The candle count would’ve been 76.

Every Feb. 9 is a tough one. It’s gotten easier over the years since he died in 2002 at just age 61. But as anyone who has lost their dad knows, it really never gets “easy” — nor should it. I make sure Mom and I talk that day.

Robert C. Langrell Jr., whom I was named after as Mom and Pop’s first-born child, was a father of four. Dad was an elementary school teacher — as was Mom — so you can only guess how important it was to bring home a respectable report card when I was a kid.

He wasn’t just an educator; he taught me many life lessons. He never stood in my way as I plodded through those tough decisions and choices as a teenager — and beyond.

One of my favorite anecdotes was when I was a sophomore in high school. As a freshman, I wrote for the school paper. Just a few months in, I was named sports editor. I can’t remember exactly why but I think the kid who previously held the post must have quit the staff. It gave me a chance to get my feet wet in journalism.

At the start of my sophomore year, I tossed my hat into the ring to be the editor-in-chief. I was in the mix with a few other students and we had to interview with the paper’s advisor, but I kept it under wraps from Mom and Dad. As the process was nearing a conclusion, I finally fessed up to my parents that I was in the running.

“You’re too young for that. You’ll be too busy with school, soccer and baseball.” I’m sure there were a few other directives from my parents, but there’s no way to recall all of those exact quotes — but you get the gist. After we discussed it, I think I told them they were probably right.

The next day, the top editor’s position was offered to me. I immediately accepted. Guess that just showed the defiant / rebellious side of me early on. At first, the parentals weren’t real happy — probably thought I had gotten in over my head … they were probably right.

I spent the next three years of high school as the editor. We won a bunch of awards. It helped me land a part-time job at the local daily newspaper at age 15. It also aided in my decision to major in journalism in college.

I still remember Dad and me talking about those times a few years before his death. He told me he was proud of me. It made me feel good. Years later, I’m sure he’d still be proud at the path my career has taken.

Dad was also my coach. He taught me the game of baseball, which I still love to this day. He also imparted his knowledge of chess my way. The strategy, tactics and the competitiveness were, of course, part of our battles as well.

“Grandpop” didn’t get the chance to see our girls graduate from high school, play volleyball and soccer for their colleges or earn their degrees. He didn’t get the thrill of watching our oldest daughter get married in December. He won’t be able to beam with pride when our sons both take the field for the Clovis High varsity baseball team this spring.

He certainly would have been proud of all of his grandchildren. They really never got to know him, and that’s a shame. They all do know him a little bit more all of the time through me. And I’m proud of that.

Happy birthday, Dad. You’re missed by many.

Rob Langrell is the publisher of The Eastern New Mexico News. Contact him at: [email protected]