This was originally going to be my Wednesday post but it took on a life of it’s own. Today is dedicated to my stepfather. Today marks the 6th anniversary since he passed. To be honest I’m shocked it was that long ago. It really only seems a few years. This is my stepfather James Eric Thompson (who my daughter is named after).

He died of lung cancer that was not caught until it had spread to his brain. He began to forget things and started have unbearable headaches that finally sent him to the doctors. This was the Christmas of 2003 just six months after my husband and I moved our family to South Florida to be closer to my mother and stepfather (seems the Lord moved us for a good reason).
What bothers me the most is that my children did not have a chance to know him all that well only 4 and 6 at the time (the boys) and he never met Honey since she was born exactly 9 months after his death (his present to our grieving family.)

My stepfather may not have been the easiest to live with when I was young. He had his faults as any person does, but as I became an adult and life begins to take on a new meaning I began to see things that I just didn’t think about before. For me this was the love of my stepfather. It hit me when I was about 18 how much he did love me and I knew he would do anything for me. It was at this point that a new relationship began. He is just as important to my life as any other family member. The word “step” does not in anyway diminish his role in my life.

My sister insisted that we have these photos taken in the summer (or around that time) of 2004. My mother and I did not want to do it but we agreed. It was a very hard photo session to take knowing why we were taking them. However it turned out to be a really good thing. We ended up with some great photos that we otherwise would not have. This one above is my favorite of my mother and stepfather.

My stepfathers memorial service was actually the best memorial/funeral that I have been too. Thankfully I have not been to many, however I’ve been to two too many in the last 6 years. This was a presentation we put together showing his much proud of army uniform and some photos.

My stepfather LOVED to play golf. Here there is a plaque behind the blanket and clubs of his hole in one. I have no idea how golfers can even achieve such a thing. A family friend sang at his memorial the song “I Will Remember You” which will now always remind me of him. She sang after a slide show of some photos that actually got people smiling and laughing, which is what my stepfather was all about. He was a good friend and still kept in touch with many of his high school buddies. Many of which came to see him in his last days. Through the years I’ve scrapped a few pages in honor of my stepfather and thought I would share them today as well.



Today I remember a Good Man and My Father. We still miss him every day!
Debra says
Thanks for sharing – I lost my mom 5 yrs ago and I can't believe it's been that long either.
He sounds like a wonderful man. Big hugs to you and your family.
Skinny Minnie says
Beautiful story and pictures Colleen. Time is so short. Looks like he was only 54? So young to have missed all those memories. Makes me think we need to pack more memories in every day. Jeanine http://www.icoulduseadeal.com
Nancy says
I can relate with you so much on this. My Dad died 5 years ago on February 5. It was unreal, he had open heart surgery and was preparing to come home when suddenly he took a turn for the worse. It happened within a day. I was in Illinois where I live and he was in Memphis at the hospital. The following days were a blur, planning his service and all the heartache surrounding that was almost unbearable. I too had a little baby 16 months after his death. My daughter is named Olivia and my Dad's name was Oliver, she is named after her Papa and is so much like him its unreal. I pray for you and your family on this day.
LeeAnn says
What a great post Colleen! Isn't it amazing how different we see our parents when we grow up and become adults? My thoughts are with you, your mom and the rest of your family today. ((big hugs))
Valerie @ My-2-cents says
Thank you for sharing this story. We celebrated veterans today so in a way paid a tribute to your step-dad. My children & the others at our homeschool coop made valentine cards (several hundred) and we spent the afternoon with the vets at the VA hospital in OKC and thanking them for their service. I blogged about it: http://my-2-cents.blogspot.com/2011/02/pay-if-forward-friday-everyone.html
Blessings,
Valerie @ My 2 Cents
Texas Type A Mom says
The tears are falling down my face as I write this. I'm so sorry you've had to go through so many years with this piece missing from your life. This is such a beautiful post and I know your step dad would be honored and touched by it. ((Hugs))
Shop with Me Mama says
Awww! Looks like he had a wonderful service and it is obvious that so many loved him. HUGS.