Siem

When I was growing up, 

I always fantasized...

about my dream father:

he would be there for me, 

always loving & devoted, 

he would take me camping, 

he would fix my car.

As I grew up 

and got to know my (actual) dad,

I let go of those fantasies, 

embracing (the real) gifts 

of the dad I had.

And then four years ago, 

when Han and my world's collided,

it was clear that one of the biggest perks

to this new way of life for me

was that his dad was a giant part of it.

Siem has been the dad of my dreams.

Always there.

So loving.

So strong.

So capable.

So trustworthy.

So devoted.

So dependable.

So inspiring.

Always there to fix what is broken.

He has been integrally intertwined in our days:

helping out with the little and big things.

Always making things feel better

just by his presence. 

We connected over our shared love of...

Han, Roald Dahl, and minimalizing. 

He has made me feel so welcomed and loved here.

~~~~

In three weeks he would celebrate 

60 years with the love of his life, Rieky.

Just a short time ago, in his 70's, he made four bicycle trips across Europe!

I am in awe studying the photo books of his adventures.

Here is just one (of the four routes) he took. Incredible!

Last July when Zack was here, 

they all went windsurfing

and Siem showed him how it's done.

Age is just a number!

And then... a week ago,

 after an ordinary day here at the Mill...

...an ordinary Thursday

like 20 years of Thurday's...

Siem had a major stroke.

Once again, life turned upside down in an instant.

This man who should've lived to 100,

gave us a week to adjust to the fact that he was leaving.

Simon Kuijper

July 14, 1937-May 28, 2022

We are going to miss him beyond words. 

And at the same time,

we are grateful he is riding free.

Tot we elkaar weer ontmoeten, lieve Siem.

❤️