So sad...

My wonderful stepfather passed away today. They had been married for about 20 years and he brought such happiness to my mom and our family. I will miss him terribly. I cannot believe he is no longer here and I will no longer hear his voice and laugh. He was such a wonderful man. He was delighted to walk me down the aisle when I married Jon. And he was a wonderful Grandpa to Shelby. He took such delight in making her smile, spending time with her, and feeding her. I'm so grateful that he got to spend some time with her recently. I know it brought him such joy.

I will always remember when he would stay at the house and sit outside in the morning, drinking his coffee... watching the birds. He'd always come inside and tell me all about the birds in my yard. He loved strange food concoctions. He'd mix weird things together, I think to get a rise out of me and my mom! Charles would play with our dog, Tasha, for hours. He loved playing frisbee with her and wearing her out. When he'd stay with us, he'd watch Westerns all the time. If there was one on TV, he'd find it! When I spoke with him yesterday on the phone, he was telling me how great TCM was and that he'd been watching tons of movies all day! He loved movies.

He will be missed so much. He's with God now and I know he is in a much better place. He's no longer hurting or in pain. Charles always considered me his daughter and my brothers his sons. We were very special to him. I love you, Charles... I will always show Shelby pictures of you and she will always know how much you loved her... Thank you for being such a wonderful father and grandfather.