My Bastille Day baby

CRAIG GEOFFREY DEMPSTER  14.07.1977 – 02.11.1995

My son, Craig was born on Bastille day at about 2pm. I remember very clearly that the day was very wet and wintry and while I was in labour the power went out at the hospital. Of course the hospital had a generator, so that wasn’t a problem.

Craig weighed 9lbs at birth and due to the cold he was put in a premmie humidicrib.  His body took up the entire space, with his legs, which they covered with blankets, hanging out openings at the end. I will never forget that sight.

The following is a repost from 15 July 2015.  The only change made is to update the number of years that have passed since Craig’s death. Craig is my second son and the middle child of two boys and a girl.

Yesterday was Bastille Day and on that day 40 years ago, my son Craig was born. I’ve posted previously about Craig  here

This photo is bad quality as it was taken from a VHS tape featuring Craig just a few days before his death

 

This song of Nat King Cole’s  says it all. I heard it on radio recently. It says everything about how I feel about losing Craig, and living the past 22 years without him.

I’ve spent those 22 years trying not to think every day about the way Craig died or the fact that he died. When I think of him, I try to think about the good times and how much joy he bought to my life, and how lucky I was to have him for 18 years.

I don’t want anyone to think that I’ve always been sad for the past 22 years. That isn’t the case at all. But there is a tiny piece of me that will always be just a little bit broken.

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile