"Just" a Step-Dad - by Stephen
Here are a few random thoughts from Jeffrey’s Step-Dad. First let me start off by saying that there really isn’t such thing as a Step-Dad insofar as his loss has affected me just as much as if Jeffrey was of my own blood. The surreal day it happened, the heart wrenching, gut churning, and mental anguish aren’t any less. People may neglect the feelings of a father, men react different ways, but it still hurts like hell.
I have lost a son.
I have also lost a very good friend, a great debating partner, and a very special little guy with a great sense of humor. Throughout all this I have been amazed hearing all about all the people that Jeffrey touched during his all-too-short a time on earth. He was an example for others to follow. Small comfort I know, but we, as parents, could not have wished for a better son.
Meredith and I are trying to make some sense of all this, but there is none. All the plans for driving lessons, dating, graduation, college – gone. Parents seem to coast alongside their children as they make their way to adulthood but when they are gone, in the space of 10 minutes, the future seems to disappear with it.
Now where do we go? What are we supposed to do now?
There are no answers, just plenty of questions. Jeff wanted to change his name for last Father’s Day, but we thought him too young and asked that he wait for a year or so until he was sure. That now will never happen. That adds to the sadness and loss I feel.
Jeff, I love you, I miss you, may you rest in peace.
Your Loving Step-Dad…..oxoxoxox
