The natural progression of life is for a parent to precede their children in death. However, sometimes a turn of events occur and parents lose a child too soon. While I have never lost a natural born child, in 1997, my stepson passed away very unexpectedly. On that day, I also lost a part of my husband that I don't believe I will ever get back.

My stepson, Eddie, was the first born son of my husband and his first wife. He was the son most like my husband in stature, personality and nature. Eddie had two young sons, ages 2 1/2 and 14 months. He was a wonderful father and worked very hard to provide for his boys.

On March 1, 1997, my stepson turned 21 years old. He hadn't been feeling well for a couple of weeks but like many young people he just blew it off and wouldn't keep any doctor appointments that were made for him.

The following day he decided to walk to a store a short way from our home. He always took a short cut through an orange grove rather than walk around the road. As time passed, he didn't return and we became concerned. We called his friends to see if he stopped to visit but no one had seen or heard from him. Eddie's younger brother and best friend knew the route he usually took through the orange grove. He was found in that orange grove apparently the victim of a heart attack. This 21 year old man, who was the picture of health, lost his life too soon and left his family stunned and full of grief and loss.

Eddie's sons, now 11 and 12 years old, have grown into wonderful young boys. My husband and I now have permanent custody of them and while it helps fill a void in our lives they can never replace the son that was lost that day, nor can we fill the void of them not growing up with their father. We are grateful for the privilege to teach them about their dad and to keep his memory alive through them. Since they came to live with us two years ago, there is a glimmer of hope in my husband's eyes. These two boys have brought life back into our home that was lost the day their father passed away. Eddie's sons can only remember him through the pictures that we have and the stories we tell them about how much they were loved.

As our grandsons are maturing, they realize they have missed out on the memories that they could have made with him, but we are teaching them to make their own memories with each other. They are so fortunate to have each other. We are proud to help them grow into the young men their father would want them to be.

Learn more about this author, Judy Clevenger.
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