RIP Jamie Bishop

When I was but a young fan, one of my friends introduced me to Michael Bishop at one of my first science fiction conventions. Over the years I ran into Michael and his family at various conventions. Most of my copies of his books are signed. I met his son and daughter a number of times over the years. I haven't seen Michael or Jeri or the kids in a long time however. Last time I saw Jamie, he was at that awkward stage between being a boy and being a man. I do remember commenting on how tall he had gotten to Michael. I think the last time I saw Michael, I told him that I was dating Peter. I can't remember if I was engaged at that point for not.

Yesterday I found out that the German professor who was killed at Virginia Tech was Jamie. His given name was Christopher James Bishop. So when I saw Christopher Bishop in the paper, it really didn't register until a friend informed me that this was Jamie, the kid who loved comic books and graphic novels. His photography site is still up at Memory39 and he did just beautiful work. He had a passion for the things he did and was described by many as a gentle giant. He leaves behind a wife Dr. Stefanie Hofer, his parents Michael and Jeri and his sister Stephanie along with the rest of his family and friends.

My sympathies and prayers are with the Bishop family.

I am grateful that I did meet Jamie.

Happy Birthday Keith

You young whippersnapper you. *grin*

From your Old Foggie Friend,

Kath

PS: Did you know you share a Birthday with Shana?

And on a Happier Note

A Very Happy Birthday to my eldest stepdaughter Shana!

Hope the Day just Rocks for you my dear.

I first met Shana when I first met Peter. She was at the Fantasy Fair where Peter bought Ralph the Klingon. I taught both of them how to operate a hand and rod puppet and Shana picked it up really quick.

Shana is a brilliant musician and songwriter. I love the quirky lyrics that she comes up with. You think the song is going one way and she turns it on its ear and takes you in a totally different direction. I think her song about Peanut Butter and Jelly and relationships is one of my favorites.

Her fashion sense is cutting edge. Both she and Gwen! tend to pick clothing before it makes a comeback and then move onto the next thing once what they are wearing becomes trendy again. Her interior design sense is great too. I have always loved her pirate themed bathroon.

She is the one who came up with Caroline's name. We were trying to figure out how to name Caroline after Carol without just calling her Carol (which is apparently bad luck according to Peter) and Shana suggested Caroline, which is the name we went with.

I am grateful to have Shana in my life.