Patrol Officer James F. Knapp

Thirteen long years ago now. Even as I sit here and type it still amazes me that much time has passed, you would only be 63 if you were still here to read this. The things I’ve come to miss so very much that I always took for granted... a hug, a handshake, a text or call on the phone, one of your incredible 3am grilled cheese wedges during a late night Stooges marathon... Not a day goes by that I don’t miss you. It still is hard on Bob and I, we move forward each day and try to make the best of things but I know it still hurts him just as bad as me that you’re not here. I wish I could say that things turned out the way I wanted them to since I lost you, but I still try to live each day to make you proud. The hardest thing is making it through each year’s Christmas, all I can think of is how much you loved it and how incredible all those decorations looked when we were done. Clark W. Griswold himself would have put his arm around your shoulder and complemented you on a job well done. This past Christmas was one of the hardest yet, I couldn’t find a way to smile this time and I’m so sorry. It’s warm this winter and we haven’t seen a good snow yet, but I’m still holding out hope that we get one good night of it. I sit here in the quiet and look at your star, your photos on the wall, my mantle memorial of your favorite bubble lights, and I know today will once again be a tough one to make it through. I love you and miss you so much, not a day goes by that I don’t wish I could have just a little of those things back, even for a few moments. Rest well, Pal, say hi to our family up there and give Spooky a hug for me. He’s still pretty new up there but he’s a cuddler and I know you two will love each other. I could probably go on and on, but a happy moment with you could stretch out into a lifetime.

James R. Knapp
Son of A Fallen Hero

January 4, 2019