A few things led me to this post.
First, my daughter turns four in a couple weeks. My wife lost her father when she was four. And I can’t even tell you how profound an effect it has had on her life – my wife makes discoveries every day as she watches me with our “D”. Sometimes they’re little things, but I notice them when she makes statements about me and the kids roughhousing or when “D” offers some funny observation about my being male (you draw your own conclusions there). My wife tells me that growing up in a household full of girls was, at times, a setting with a lack of education, of self-discovery that sometimes wasn’t for the best.
Now, this is no indictment of her mother. My mother-in-law is a tough woman whom I respect immensely. She’s giving and caring person, but I’m sure there were days where she just wanted some help, wanted a different voice to reach her daughters.
All of this got me thinking about the holidays and my friend Curtis who lost his life Sept. 12. His two children will be without their father for the holidays. It will undoubtedly be a difficult time for their family. Curtis and I knew each other for over 10 years and worked together for over five. Every day I think of him when I walk through the doors at the office. I thought of him and the loss his family felt as I was deciding how to write my Viable Paradise assignment in October. He’s with me not only because of our bond of friendship, but also because we shared the bond of fatherhood – a fatherhood I know he enjoyed.
Today, I’m thinking about his wife, Carolyn, and his two children. I can’t make their holidays any brighter. I can’t be their father. But I can help the opportunities the children have.
A memorial fund was established at US Bank for Curtis’ children, Olivia and Garrett. In the tradition of the season, I’ve contributed to help Curtis’ children. If you’re so inclined – even if it’s just a little — please consider donating to their college memorial fund:
Hooper Memorial Fund
Account # 145571316796
US Bank
1599 NE Douglas Street
Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
Miss you, Curtis!
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