Kenneth Schmitz: 1944-2010

[elSicomoro]

My (step)dad, Ken Schmitz, passed away just after midnight this morning. He had lung cancer surgery in July and never recovered from the complications that arose after surgery.

My mother and father were only married 2 years, but my mom and Ken were married 29 years in August...they got married when I was 5. He was an alcoholic...he could be mentally abusive...he smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day...he was short-tempered and stubborn at times.

He was also my dad. My father has never really ever stepped up to the plate...we currently haven't spoken in 16 years. Ken raised a child that wasn't his...he never tried to push me into anything, and encouraged me to do whatever it was I wanted to do. And he was always there for me when I needed him. He wasn't the affectionate type, but I always knew that he loved me as if I was his own flesh and blood.

We fought like cats and dogs when I was younger, but as we got older, we got along well. We didn't really talk a lot--Ken really wasn't a man of a lot of words--but we had a very good relationship, probably since I became an adult.

He wasn't my father, but he was definitely my dad. I love you, Dad...you're in a much better place now. Rest in peace...