Time of Grieving

Thank you for all of the messages that have been sent regarding our dear friend and neighbor, Curt. For those of you that have not heard, Curt passed away on Saturday, September 12. He was involved in an accident on an ATV.  We had been invited to the Hooper's for an evening to relax, catch up on the events of the week and meet his best friend of 30 years, Tripp.

Jeremy had gone home earlier in the evening with Owen.  He had spent the day golfing with Curt and Tripp and had a headache from being out in the sun.

Curt, Tripp and our neighbor Shawn were in an ATV, similiar to a golf cart,  when it tipped over in a turn. Curt either fell out or was thrown out and the ATV came to rest on him. He died instantly and we believe he experienced no pain or suffering.  

The event happened in our cul-de-sac.  In a matter of minutes two families were forever shattered.  My close friend lost her husband of 15 years.   Their children lost their father.  Our friend Shawn is struggling with the guilt associated with being the driver.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn, son Garrett (13), daughter Olivia(11), his mom, stepfather, two sisters and a large extended group of family and friends.

 

When I think of Curt, I try not to see the events of that horrific evening, but instead focus on his bright beaming smile which was usually accompanied by a mischievous glint in his eye.  He was an amazing man.  He was a hard worker, but his family was his pride and joy. 

 

Ben had a wonderful bond with Curt.  During imaginary play time, he would ask me who I wanted to be and I'd say something silly like Mrs. Wigglebottom.  When I asked who he was, he said "I'm Curt Hooper".  Most mornings Curt was leaving for work at the same time we were leaving for preschool.  Ben would insist that I roll down his window so he could say "Hi, Mister Curt!".

 

Ben was at the Hooper's with me at the time of the accident.  By the grace of God, the kids remained inside the house while we were coordinating with the police and paramedics.  The following morning, Ben climbed into bed with me and asked what had happened to that animal.  In his mind he had hoped that it wasn't a person that was hurt.  I had to tell him that it wasn't an animal.  He then asked if it was Garrett and Olivia's Daddy.  I told him yes then tried to explain simply to a three year old that Curt was OK now. He was in heaven with God.  His following words have been with me ever since. 

 

"Why did Curt have to die?  He was my Buddy."