Jeffery Thomas Mounce April 5, 1962 – April 27, 2000

   It is still so strange to see Jeff’s name written out with his birth and death dates next to it. It is hard to wrap my mind around the fact that “IT” really happened and what “IT” did to our lives, the bad and the good. Jeff had such a way of having fun even if he was about to undergo brain surgery or the gamma knife. One of my best memories of him was our trip to Pittsburg with Uncle John. I don’t think I have ever laughed so much. Jeff and John were so funny together and started referring to the Gamma Knife machine as “Sir Gamma”; really strange that the trip holds such wonderful memories:).

 Ok my sweet kids I am listing some of the qualities your Dad had:

– funny
-loved God
-paid attention to others, details not so much
-unselfish
-smart
-trusted God’s plan for his life
-ultra witty
-great teacher
-creative
-loving
-fun
-LOVED Mystery Science Theater
-deep thinker
-cherished his family
-accepted God’s plan for his life
-LOVED music, always had it playing (Yes, Pink Floyd, Beatles, Counting Crows, David Gilmore)
-said NO to most of Allie’s animal requests
-quirky
– when he got mad, he got REALLY mad, which was rare
-great movie maker
-loved to play
-never grew up:)
-electronics buff
-did not know how to fix a thing that was not electronic
-Made awesome tapes(CD’s in today’s world) music and movie quotes
-hard working
-loved to run
-perservering
-non complainer
-loved coffee
-watch out if he said “trust me” when he was fixing something
-protected me from all his fears
-movie buff
-LOVED water skiing
-procrastinator
-wonderful husband and friend
-hated cats until Punky
-LOVED to mess with his dog
-was a kid
-adored his kids
-wonderful Dad
-never gave up
-song writer
-greatest entertainer of children

   Of course I will forever wish it had just not happened, but that wasn’t God’s plan for Jeff’s life or mine. I don’t regret one day that we spent together. The bad just made the good better. As children I don’t think you all were aware of all that was going on because your Dad was so fun and did his grieving when you were not aware. We just tried to live our lives as it was handed to us and make your childhood meaningful even though we were facing scary days. Your Dad was determined to make his life matter and it did. Even before he got sick, he was so aware of others around him and paid attention to the little things that most of us don’t. I’ve always wondered if God gave him that gift since his life was short??? He had a way of making people he did not know feel that he cared about who they were. Gardner you have a lot of that in you as well:)

 Just last night Hank said he was so sorry for all that we went through and I said there was so much good too, I’m thankful for who I am now and scared of who I might have been otherwise. I’m sad for what you kids and I lost but I’m thankful for who you have become through adversity and sadness. I think you live fuller lives having known great, deep loss. I think you will always strive to be better for your Dad whom you may have taken for granted if you had had “normal” lives.  I certainly would not know God as I now do if we had not gone through that. I am thankful that I got to have the life I did with Jeff and our family and will forever miss him. I am also thankful that God blessed me so abundantly after his death with more family. I am thankful that God gave me Hank to lead our family and for being so willing to take me and you all on (we are a handful:). There are very few men in this world capable or even willing to do so. People say that when someone losses a spouse and had a wonderful marriage, they usually marry again…….

So my sweet kiddos, I know when you see your Dad’s name next to his birth and death dates it is hard to wrap your minds and hearts around as well. I do know how very proud he would be of each of you in your own special ways. You all are such a team together, yet you have been willing to let others in. You have accepted the life that God has given you and have lived it in such an honoring way to your Dad and me. I am so very thankful for each of you, you were my driving force to heal and be the mom you deserved to have. John David’s and Madeline’s lives are so much richer because of you……. I am thankful…..