Although they were not very close, it was still a very difficult thing to do ... The step-son took the news very hard and I feel bad for him.

We think there will be a memorial service in Tennessee and I'll take him to it.

His Dad is / was a Vietnam vet and was awarded two Purple Hearts during his tour.

To my brother-in-arms ... rest in peace and welcome home my friend. 

I am so sorry Pepper. Prayers for the step son. His dad was truly a hero. Tell your step son we thank his dad for his service. 

I am so sorry but tell this kid his Dad was a hero. 

I've reminded him several times that his Dad loved him.

Hopefully, we'll make it to Tennessee in time for the memorial service. We're waiting to hear from family what the arrangements are. 

Give him a huge hug from me! 

Prayers for all of you! 

:-( Prayers for your step-son and for you. If you're hitting the road to Tennessee, please have a safe journey. 

So sad....but I'm glad he has you to be there for him. Safe travels. 

:( 

Pep, prayers for the family. I know it has to be hard on him. :'( 

At seventeen, it's a tough pill to swallow when your Dad passes away.

We are still waiting for word on the arrangements, apparently there's a problem with the Death Certificate and that's holding things up. 

Pepper I lost my Dad when I was twelve so yes it is very hard. 

Pepper I lost my Dad when I was twelve so yes it is very hard.

I would have been devastated had I lost my Dad at such a young age. He was my best friend.

It wasn't until I turned 60 that he passed at the age of 85 ... we had so many good years together.

Exactly 80 days later we lost Mom ... we suspect it was from a broken heart.

That was two years ago and I still hurt ... 

Sorry to hear the sad news :( 

17 is so young to lose a parent....I lost my mother at 16. It's something you never really get over, you just learn to deal with it.

Pepper, you are one stand up guy to be there for him and help him learn to grieve and deal with it. My heart goes out to him, and to you sir. 

I'm trying to push all the right buttons and I think he needs closure and time to grieve. 

and I think he needs closure and time to grieve.


He does. I don't know how it will effect his school work but sometimes it is good to let the school know. Continued prayers for him. 

Just give him space. Allow this to sink in. Once he goes to the funeral (if one) it will get easier to talk about. I was 27 when I lost my daddy whom was only 49. I know for weeks I didn't talk to anyone without screaming and hating them. It was one of the toughest things I had to experience, next to loosing my child (miscarriage at 6mnths) Loosing my father was hard very hard. I still today (20 years later) still cry for him.

He will be ok with time.. least able to discuss it. :( Praying for the 3 of you guys! 

We are heading out at 0' dark thirty tomorrow morning for Tennessee.

The funeral is on Monday and we'll drive back on Tuesday.

It's going to be a solid 13 to 14 hour drive each way, so that will give us plenty of time to "bond".

Sure wish the little fart had his drivers license so we could share the driving ... oh well, I'll just have to make sure I have lot's of coffee. 

You have a safe trip, and continued prayers for the young man and his family. 

Praying for an uneventful and safe trip. 

Safe trip to ya sir!! 

I'm calling it a night, gotta' get up early.

Y'all be good and I'll check in from Tennessee.

G' night ... 

Have a safe trip and we will hold down the fort here for you. 

Sleep well, and drive safely. 

Prayers for a safe trip. Please contact us and let us know you made it!!! Enjoy the male bonding time. 

We got into Nashville last night around 7:00 and after a 13 hour drive we were pretty tired.

The funeral was held this afternoon and it was a very nice military service at a veterans cemetary. I'm glad we made the trip and I'm sure he is too.

He was able to reunite with his Sister, his Aunt and Cousin's on his Dad's side of the family that he hadn't seen, or talked with in years, and that was good. Actually, aside from his sister, I don't think he remembered most of them.

We're going to get up early (and I mean early) and start driving back to Kingwood. 

I'm glad this turned out well for your step-son. Hopefully he will find some peace from this and form new friendships with the family on his Dad's side and his sister.

Again, prayers being said for a safe drive back to home. Looks like all the rain has moved on to the West, so you shouldn't have bad weather to contend with. 

Pepper please drive safely. At least the drive is easy, once you get past Nashville it gets a little precarious!

Prayers for safe travel. Last year I drove 12 hours straight with my kids by myself. Then 4 hours the next day. You'll be A OK! 

Left Nashville at 4:00 this morning and pulled into the driveway at 4:15 this afternoon.

It'll be an early night, for sure ...