Wednesday, December 12, 2018
My fondest memory and most likely Jim’s best day of his life was the day our son Chad Michael Burkhart was born. I went into labour on Friday May 2nd Jim came home from work, so excited that our child was going to be born soon. We packed a bag and headed to the hospital. Little did we know that this was going to be well over a 30 hour labour! Jim was so patient, so loving, so caring and he never left my side. When the time came, the eve of May 3rd, I watched his face with anticipation as Chad entered this world and his face lit up with so much joy and pride. “It’s a boy!” my doctor said. Now his smile got even bigger. Jim took Chad all bundled up in his blanket and gave him to me. Holding my hand so tightly, I just knew that Jim was going to become the best father ever. We were so happy, yet so scared. We were now parents and had this beautiful baby boy and Chad certainly was one beautiful baby. Huge blue eyes and that Burkhart fringe, yes he certainly was a Burkhart.
From the moment Jim put our baby in my arms, I knew he would be the most incredible father and he never let me down, not for one moment. Jim lived his life for his son; his son was the world to him. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for him. I’m sure Chad could talk on and on about the times they shared together. The trips they took the laughs they had.
Jim just as his Mom, Peggy and his Dad, Mahlon was a family man, family meant the most to him and he proved that over and over again.
I was blessed to be Jim’s wife and a part of the Burkhart family. I am blessed to have the son that Jim and I shared together, for that I will be forever grateful.
I fell in love with Jim and just because we went our separate ways did not mean I didn’t still have love in my heart for him. Jim was so proud of Chad. It wasn’t that long ago that we had a nice chat on the phone and Jim told me how much he loved Chad, how proud he was of his accomplishments and the career path he chose, and how he wished he could spend more time with him.
You did a great job, Jim! You were the best dad ever and always there for Chad and you will be dearly missed.
