You’ll never remember what I’ll never forget!

Memories are fleeting.  I want to remember him and I want others to know him too  But not just the last 17 years because there's so much more to be told.  

My story goes back 55 years and includes memories, (both good and bad), tears, laughter and so many stories. Generally what happens when someone dies:  they become larger than life. . . the sinner becomes the saint, the lazy person suddenly becomes the salt of the earth, the disinterested, self-centered parent becomes a role model for all.  What a difference a day makes!

So I will approach this blog with caution and avoid sugar-coating the life of this man who chose to be the dad he didn't have to be. Worth mentioning - never once in my presence in 55 years did he ever call me his step-daughter or introduce me to others as his step-daughter, I was always his daughter. That's a memory I'll never forget. 

My Leap of Faith. . .

The first time I laid eyes on him I was just six years old.  I don't have a clear memory of the first meeting or the next or the next.  My first real memory of him goes back to a warm day at my Gramma's house.  I was outside playing and he came with Ben Peddy to pick up my mother.  Ben may have provided moral support or transportation, I don't recall.  The two stood outside just shooting the breeze and smoking Camels (unfiltered) waiting for my mother. Six-year-olds have a lot of energy and I had been jumping from the concrete back steps to the grass below, just because I could.  I circled around, climbed the steps and prepared to repeat the jump when he stepped up, held out his arms and said "jump".  I did and landed safely in his arms.  Ben Peddy laughed and said "I guess she really does love you." Being just six, the "love" part I wasn't so sure about but I did know that I would trust him.  That he'd be there and wouldn't let me down.

Gramma's house on Lemon Creek Road, Baroda

It's ironic.  This ordinary day was significant to him as well.  After the other wives came along, I was not welcome (and I suspect it was the age thing). Insecurity could certainly make the wives feel uncomfortable having his step-daughter hanging around . . . a step-daughter who was their age).  But he never let their insecurities stop him.  We always kept in touch, most times we had to be both cautious and clever.  One story he'd often repeat was the story about this ordinary afternoon that defined our relationship.  No, he was not my bio-dad.  He was my dad.  He mattered.  He made sure I mattered.

I wasn't the only one jumping those days . . .  my mother jumped into this relationship with her eyes wide closed!  In retrospect, she would say the same.The courtship was short and despite the misgivings of her family, they were married at the old courthouse in St. Joseph, Michigan.  No family attended and I'm not even sure who witnessed the event but likely Ben and Faye Peddy were there to provide support and friendship.

This county courthouse was built in 1895 and served Berrien County until the mid 60s.  This structure was demolished and replaced by the building at 811 Ship Street, St. Joseph, Michigan.

Obituary

Teddy Lee Holt

August 6, 1935 - November 4, 2009

Biography

Teddy Lee Holt, 74, of New Troy passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at his home.

Funeral services will be held 10 AM Saturday, November 7, 2009 at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman with Rev. Gerald Schroer officiating.  Burial will be in New Troy Cemetery.  Friends may meet with the family from 6 - 8 PM Friday at the funeral home.  As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to the family.

Teddy was born August 6, 1935 in Truman, Arkansas the son of the late Allie "Cap"and Robbie (Pickering) Holt. He served in the US Army and was a member of the Weechik American Legion Post 518.  On February 15, 1992 he married the former Shirley Kemp.  Teddy was a professional truck driver.

Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Shirley; three children - Tina (Chris Kuespert) Holt of LaPorte, Indiana, Phillip (Emily) Melton of Baroda, and Larry Melton of Stevensville; seven grandchildren; three brothers - W.C. "Dubb" (Janice) Holt, James (Anita) Holt, and Wayne (Christine) Holt all of Arkansas; and two sisters - Hettie Presley of Arkansas and Jean (James) Allen of Elkhart, Indiana.

Teddy was also preceded in death by six brothers and sisters. 

Blogger's Note:  This is an accurate representation of the last 17 years of his life . . . nothing more.