December 21. A day that forever changed my life and the lives of my 3 children. My husband and their father passed away early in the morning. Monday marks the one year anniversary of his passing. What a year this has been. We miss him so much every day. But I do have to say we have gotten to a point that we can frequently laugh at memories we have of him. For an early Christmas gift, I made each of the kids a photobook with pictures of them with their dad. They loved it. It was so healing to look through the thousands of pictures I’ve gathered over the years to whittle the number down to 59. It brought back so many amazing memories of Stefan. I got to relive so many moments. I loved it. He was such an involved dad. There were so many pictures of him wrestling with the boys, snuggling with all 3, helping them learn to ride their bikes, building projects together, playing in the snow, etc. It was so fun to hear the kids’ remarks on the pictures in the book. They each had such cute comments about the pictures. It’s astounding what they remember. I’m so glad they have these books.
So, on Monday, we will definitely be thinking about the man we lost. But we will also be thinking of the many ways in which he helped equip us to take care of ourselves. He was so good at instilling independence in the kids. That has helped so much in this last year. He was also so good at helping me be independent. Specifically, our last family vacation in Myrtle Beach, he was so insistent that I tell him how to get from the restaurant where we ate dinner to our condo. I remember him telling me that if anything ever happened and I came by myself, I would need to know how to get around. The very next week he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer.
We still miss him dearly. But we celebrate his amazing life as well.
I am so thankful that God gave us the time we had. I wish it had been longer, but I also realize that God’s timing is His own and is perfect.
So, if you don’t mind, as Monday comes, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
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Stef's Random Ramblings 
Sandi, you are an amazing woman. I hope that a year from now I can be so hopeful. It has been a month since Sarah died. Today Jim and I went to the cemetery for the first time. Jim told me he was proud of how well I did. The truth is the only way I was that strong was because of God. I am living 2 Cor. 12:9-10. His grace truly is sufficient for me because God’s power is definitely made perfect in my dire weakness.
Hi again Sandi. You definitely remind me of the important things in life, like family. I tend to get carried away and irritated over small things and you remind me that those things aren’t worth getting upset over. I wish I could take your pain away but I know that only Jesus can do that. I look forward to when we are all in heaven celebrating with Jesus! I’m sure he looks forward to it too!
Christmas Greetings from me in Norway….
Sandi and your three children.
This is such a wonderful tribute to be posted. I was thinking of you just exactly at this moment and decided to see when Steph’s passing was and it has been a year today. You and the kids are in my prayers at this very moment and you are a remarkable young woman and God has given you such strength to be reminded of how precious life is. I am one of those people who did not know Steph personally and only through our church but I can say I now know Steph and the person he was through all of your comments.
Your are blessed beyond belief in your life and your children’s lives
Dian and Bob Steckhan
Praying for you all today and thinking of Stef
Stef’s brave fight still inspires me in my fight. God’s richest blessings to you and your family.