This will probably be the hardest blog I have written yet. Sadly, Jo’s Father Van Thompson, Sr. passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 4. We were in Texas for the funeral last weekend. Jo and Anna were able to stay until today.
I was blessed to have known Van for 14 years and grew to love and respect him greatly. He was a graceful man in many ways. Whether it was rounding up his herds of cattle, playing with his grandchildren, or dancing with his wife of 47 years, Rita, he was a gentleman in the true sense of the word. He was the real deal.
Jo told me she remembered that her "Daddy" was the person who first taught her to dance. At about age 5 she would stand on top of his feet and hold his hands as he taught her to do a waltz box. He obviously did a great job! Van lived a full life of almost 80 years and touched many people’s lives along the way. He will truly be missed. Please send out your prayers for the entire Thompson family as they remember a great husband, father and grandfather.
Jo and I will travel to the NIH tomorrow for her annual bone marrow check up. We are expecting good news and are looking forward to being able to taper Jo's medications. For those of you keeping track, we are now in month 25 of Jo's 18 month taper. Of course, we are also looking forward to our favorite meal of Spinach Dip and Grilled Chicken Salad at Houston's Restaurant which is right down the street from the NIH.
7 comments:
I am so, so sorry to read about Van. I'll be keeping your family in my prayers (even more than usual). Take care.
Evonne
We are so sorry for your loss. Our family will be praying for yours as we always do.
Good luck at the NIH.
Paula
What a lovely picture of Anna and her Grandad--one to cherish forever.
Good luck to Jo for the assessment. We miss her here in the UK.XXX
Jo,
My deepest sympathy for the lose of your beloved father. There are no words to diminish such a loss - but I hope that the memories you have of him will give you comfort. Know that the values, integrity and spirit of the parent are often visible in the child - you honor him every day of your life.
God bless and keep you and your family.
rms
Jo,
Dick & I were so sorry to hear about your dad. He will be missed by so many.
Van & Rita introduced us to dancing 17 years ago and we think of them so often, please pass on our sympathies to your mom and Eddie.
Our prayers are will you all.
Joan & Dick
Jo,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad but I really understand. I lost my Step_dad of over 40 yrs the same day(March 4). You think of them as being here forever. Just such a feeling of loss...hard to put ionto words.
I am thinking of you and your family and hope the days get easier for us both.
Queenflapper(Ruth)
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Hi Szymanski's,
I've finally had a chance to catch up on Jo's health and am very sad to see this blog. My heart goes out to your family - please give Rita my love. You all are always in my thoughts and prayers even though our communication is rare.
Warmly,
Toni
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