My son Tim was 41 years old when he was struck down by a stray bullet that came through the wall of his home. He was sheltering two young girls that had run from a party next door to his home when gunfire broke out. He left behind a wife and a five-year-old son. Tim was a well-known and well-loved musician in the Carbondale, Illinois, area.
I have many memories of Tim. He was good, and kind, and he had a twinkle in his eye. He was an amazing father to Jake. Nothing will ever take those memories away from me. I am sad for the memories I will never have the opportunity to make.
I will never have the memory of my son teaching his son to ride a bike or catch a baseball. I will never have the memory of seeing the joy on my son’s face as he watched his little boy open Christmas gifts. I will never have the memory of seeing my son and his wife welcome another child to their family.
I cherish the memories of Tim that I have, but I mourn those that are lost.