Fond memories of Stephen and Janice through the eyes of children

11 weeks ago, my cousin Janice passed away after 29 years living with CF. This past weekend, my cousin Stephen, her brother, also passed away after 26 years living with CF. This has been tough for their family, and for my entire extended family, and many friends and others that Janice and Stephen encountered in their life. The one thing that has been emphasized about both Janice and Stephen is that they lived. And so, as I looked through a few pictures, I thought I'd share a couple more slices of how they lived, through or in the eyes of my kids.

For starters, our family Christmas gathering, and my boys running wild with pirate gear and a new fisher price camera. The most frequent subject, and ready with a willing smile....Stephen of course. Patrick snapped a couple candids of Stephen minding his business on the family-famous gold chairs.

After some pirate sword play, Cap'n Owen came to rest with Stephen and was once again captured by Patrick's quick eye.

And just because Stephen had changed places, didn't mean Patrick couldn't track down his photogenic subject and click away again.

Always the teacher I suppose, Stephen took the opportunity to show Patrick the art of self portaits on his new camera.


Of course, this also got me thinking of another frequent guest around the boys, especially upon their arrival. In 2002, just a few days after we had come home with Patrick, Janice stopped by after work to check in on the newest member of the clan.

And a few years later, and again a few days after our return home with Owen, Janice brought her Mom in tow this time to check on the latest addition.


A small window into some very special people. Thanks to them for all the memories.

Here, also, is a link I found to the poem titled Child of Mine (To All Parents)