Happy Birthday Terence D. Simien & R.I.P

Today (July 27, 2011) would have been the 47th birthday of our son Terence DeWayne Simien. Although I was his step-father, I knew him for over 20 years and considered him my own son. Terence passed away on January 2nd, 2011 and I wrote the following eulogy for his funeral service.

“Hello. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Clayton Bagwell and I’m Terence’s Step Father.

I never had children of my own and when I met Terence’s mom, Nescie, he and his brother, Anthony, were already grown up and out of the house; out there making their own way in the world.

But, over the years I’ve come to know and love these two men as if they were my sons.

I’ve seen Terence become a father and raise his own family. I’ve seen his ups and downs. I’ve seen him struggle and stumble and pick himself up and get back in the game. And when Terence asked for help, his mother and I gave him the best advice that we could, even though he didn’t always follow it. But. that’s the way kids are. They want to do things their way and I know that Terence did the best that he coud and that’s all I could have asked of him.

I have a lot of fond memories of Terence, but since I only have 2 minutes, all I really want to do is tell Terence: You did good. You played a good game. I love you and I’m proud of you. Have a good trip and I’ll see you on the other side.”

Terence volunteered to be a coach for his son’s football teams as TD was growing up. And even though Terence was not an “official” coach, the other boys on the team looked up to him and Terence had a great impact on their lives. There were over one hundred young men that showed up for Terence’s memorial service and even the funeral director was overcome with emotion by the reverence and love that these young men showed for Terence.

We still miss you Terence and always will. Happy Birthday and R.I.P.