Samantha Stephens

A very good friend of mine died suddenly a few days ago, causing me to reflect about the pain inflicted on the living when someone we love leaves us too soon.  A wife, a son, a daughter suffer the worst pain imaginable, and friends and family, also in pain, make every effort to comfort those closest to the deceased.  It may help to some degree, but it’s inevitable that all of us will be left with many moments where we face the loss alone, whether it’s driving in the car, brushing our teeth, lying in bed at night, or merely sitting in quiet contemplation.  We play the scenario again and again in our head . . . memories about a lifetime and fantasies about a future that will never be.  My friend’s death reminded me of my own father’s death, and with the prospect of another son and daughter facing their first Father’s Day without a dad, I decided to post an article I wrote many years ago.  It was never published, but I thought for this Father’s Day, almost 18 years after my father’s death, it was time.  This story is dedicated to all the sons and daughters who celebrate Father’s Day with nothing more that the memories they hold.  The following short story is entitled, “Dad’s Here!” Continue reading →