Rest In Peace, Opa

Tommy's Opa, and John's Dad, Chris Beurskens, passed away last Tuesday, January 18th. He fought and ultimately WON an almost two year battle with kidney cancer. We will miss him more than words can say, but we are so grateful that Tommy got to know his Opa and that Opa was able to enjoy some quality time with Tommy since his arrival into our lives. Opa's spirit and love of life are already a part of our little guy Tommy - happy, always laughing and smiling. Opa will live on though his children and grandchildren.

John flew out to Illinois to be with his dad and his family the Thursday before his dad passed. I am so grateful that he was able to be there, and they were all with Chris when he went home with the angels. He was an amazing man, born in The Netherlands, with many beloved cousins still over there.

While we knew during our trip to visit for Christmas that there wasn't much time left, I know all of us were shocked that he was gone after only one day in Hospice care. Although I was not there, I know that the folks from Hospice were amazing, especially Kay Wheeler, a dear family friend of the Beurskens clan in Charleston. Her sister Ellen (John's aunt) was married to John's Uncle Hank until she passed away 10+ years ago.

Tommy and I flew out on Friday, and made it in time for the Friday night viewing. Tommy got to say his good-bye to his Opa, sending him off with a hug and a kiss that brought his Aunt Maria and Mommy to tears because he did it on his own while I was holding him - just reached out for his Opa as we were getting ready to leave the funeral home that night.

We had a sitter for the funeral on Saturday, and Tommy joined us after the repast for a celebration of Chris's life at Uncle Hank's "shop." It was an amazing tribute to Chris all weekend - the turnout of family and friends to honor this man, the funny stories and pictures that were dug up from the past, and the many "I love you's" voiced throughout the weekend to one another as we all mourned the loss of the family's patriarch at the age of 70 - much too young to be taken from us, but one who will be watching over each of us the rest of our own lives.

Here is the link to Opa's obituary:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/jg-tc/obituary.aspx?n=christiaan-j-beurskens&pid=147938421&fhid=5142

Here are some of my favorite photos of Tommy with Opa:

Daddy introduces Tommy and Opa to one another for the first time - November 2009

Opa and Tommy can't take their eyse off one another - November 2009

After some discussion amongst themselves, they oblige to a posed photo - November 2009


Looks like nothing but two laughing and smiling Beurskens boys - May 2010

Opa learns how quick Tommy is - June 2010

Like Opa, Like grandson - June 2010

Sharing more laughs together - June 2010

Tommy shows Opa his classroom - September 2010

Celebrating Tommy's FIRST birthday - September 2010

Tommy soaking up the love from his Pop-Pop and his Opa on his birthday - September 2010

And talk about competing allegiances - Rutgers or Illinois...Green Bay Packers or Chicago Bears?

Kisses from Opa make Tommy laugh - September 2010

A nice portrait of 3 generations - Opa, Daddy and Tommy... - September 2010

...And then things get out of hand - September 2010

But kisses make up for everything - September 2010

The best birthday gift for Opa - a surprise visit from Tommy to celebrate - complete with a real hug - November 2010

Happy Birthday Opa! November 2010

Tommy makes sure Opa eats his Cheerios - November 2010

Merry Christmas - December 2010

Rest in Peace, Sweet Opa. We will miss you so much, but you will always be in our hearts.