Honoring Siem

I didn't think it was possible to put things together so fast, but Han's family did a beautiful job of it. In less than a week after Siem died, he has been honored, celebrated and laid to rest.

  On Thursday night, there was an opportunity for the community to come by and offer their condolences to the family. We arrived early and had the chance to add some special touches to his coffin. Markers were left out for others to add to it while they were here, too. 

What a meaningful touch!

His beloved bike (that he was just riding two weeks ago!) was brought in, as well.

The gathering was held in Limmen, the town he lived in his whole life. So there was an incredible line of people willing to wait for a very long time, in order to honor him, shake hands, give us their best wishes, and share in our grief.

At the end of the night (his nephew and sister were also in the receiving line with us).

On Friday, we gathered together, waiting for him to come by the house one last time. 

His grandson, Sjors, led the small procession to the church on his Opa's bike.

The Cornelius Church (built in 1901) is only a few blocks from their house

 and has been Siem's church all his life, making it extra special.

 We arrived to bells ringing in his honor.

I was honored to be part of the ceremony, helping to wheel the coffin in.

Siem loved country music and always had it playing in his car.

His very favorite artist was Johnny Cash,

so it was so touching to walk in as "I Walk the Line" was being played.

It was a beautiful ceremony, led by Pastor Mike

 and with Rieky, Gitte, & Han 

managing to share their loving thoughts with us all. 

Even though I couldn't understand all of it because of my beginner level Dutch,

 I was so very moved.

The whole service was recorded here for those who would like to see it.

To see the slideshow I created, click here.

(The first song was their wedding song and the rest were real favorites)

~~~~~~

After the church service, with bells ringing, everyone waved us off as we headed to the crematorium.

Such a poignant moment between best friends. 

From there we headed back to the Mill where family who had travelled far was waiting to greet us.

Just as he had done for my mom, Han asked everyone to tie a piece of fabric to this rope (measured out to represent his lifeline), with a wish or a prayer to create a garland...in honor of Siem, in what will now be our memorial garden.

What was meant to be a 60th anniversary gift has a different meaning...

...and yet the same: celebrating a true love story.

A celebration of a life well lived, 

of love...

and a truly great man.

~Siem Kuijper~

14 juli 1937-28 mei 2022

"Ons hele leven is een reis, en soms heb je de reis van je leven....."

("Our whole life is a journey, and sometimes you have the journey of your life...")

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.

❤️

Mom's Garden

In honor of Mom.

Mom, of all people, knew what a reluctant gardener I've been.

But, here, with the help of Han, I am finding a place to channel my love.

I know how much my mom (and grandma) would love it 

and I feel their presence here with me so strongly. 

So thankful that Han came up with the idea of this garland. Each piece of fabric was tied on by a loved one, with a wish or a prayer, creating a beautiful symbol of our love and connection with her. 

Six "Nana Bells" in honor of Mom's 6 grandchildren: her pride and joy.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

~Thomas Campbell