About Tim, by Valleen

Before I had even learned his name, I asked Tim’s mother (my neighbor), Joyce, “So, everybody says what great kids you have. How did you raise them to turn out that way?” This simple question led to several conversations, viewings of childhood memoirs and high school books with an emphasis on the eldest- a handsome blonde with broad shoulders.

After college, Tim moved home and took a long-term substitute job as a teacher. He also got to know his younger brother, still at home, and the girl next door (Me!). During this time, I vividly remember him saying that he always felt a strong desire to be a good example for his younger brothers. BOOM! He had my heart.

I have heard all of Tim’s names said in adoration. Son, brother, Tio, Uncle Tim, Coach. He is a friend that we all want. He is a lover of words, always using them in their correct form. He is silly and a heck of a kind guy. He is the fun in our lives!

Our nieces and nephews say “Tiiiiiooooo” with great expectation. They know, we know, he will invest in them. I have watched Tim chase the little ones, lift them up, play, and sing “Frozen” songs before bed countless times. I have also had the joy of watching him do the same for our son Cooper, and I look forward to watching him do the same for each precious child that we will someday call our own.