|
Mr. Jeff and his family He was nothing I expected yet everything I needed. The newly shattered innocence of my childhood could only be renewed by his gentle spirit and nurturing hand. October, my birthday month, marked a time of confusion and distress among my family, and the day my father left was a day that a dark shadow fell over my home. Yet the day that the Kopf family and Mr. Jeff moved in across the street the sun had never shined so brightly. I remember Kara, the middle child and just my age, grabbing my shaking hand, leading me through her new house, rambling on and skipping up the stairs as if we’d known each other for years. I was only 3 years old and she was only 4, but the moment we saw each other there was an unspoken connection that has never broken and never will. At that age, when all of my siblings and I seemed to be searching for the presence of a father figure, Mr. Jeff was unbelievable. Even though he’s moved away, to this day I can still hear his roaring laugh and corny jokes. I can still smell the slight scent of Bud Light that seemed to linger on him, but was so comforting every time I would crawl up into this lap while he watched football and fell asleep. The countless days of softball games and camping trips, and the way he always knew not just what I was feeling, but exactly who I was. He knew my intentions and my shortcomings. He loved me unconditionally, yet never had to say it. I can’t even begin to imagine my childhood without him or the entire Kopf family. Hannah Thornton |
|