Memorials of Vanessa and Calvin Thompson

Vanessa Thompson, my beloved mother, died on April 24th, 2020. Calvin Thompson, my indomitable father, died on July 20th, 2020. My mother survived several years with ALS, and my father had a long battle with lung cancer. Fighters to the very end, and I am so proud to have been their child.

This was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write. 2020 has been a year of revelation, of suffering and death for so many. I’ve spent the last six months trying to stay safe, to protect my ailing parents from COVID-19, and working to keep afloat, despite the risks. Immediate arrangements as could be done safely were, but due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19 and the costs involved no formal funeral or memorials have been held. I know that this time is hard for everyone, emotionally, spiritually and financially, but if you would like to help with these arrangements and expenses, anything you are willing to give is welcome.

In 1993, following a fire that destroyed our home in Indiana, my sisters Angelique and Monique passed away. My paternal grandparents, Chogia and my namesake Caesar “Big Dad” Thompson are buried with them at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. My mother’s wishes were to be buried with her girls, and I plan to Inter her and Calvin’s ashes with them.

Anyone who knew Vanessa knows she was a caring mother, the most loving friend, and a determined artist. She was so proud of her home, and impossible to tear away from her tiny art studio, even in the deepest cold of winter. If at all possible I plan to keep her home, and in good shape, which is it’s own challenge. (The recent derecho damaged a large tree that must be removed.)

Thank you for reading. I hope the times are kind to you and yours, and we all make it through this to a better world.

-Caesar Thompson

”O Thou Forgiver of sins! Open Thou the way for this awakened soul to enter Thy Kingdom, and enable this bird, trained by Thy hand, to soar in the eternal rose garden. She is afire with longing to draw nigh unto Thee; enable her to attain Thy presence. She is distraught and distressed in separation from Thee; cause her to be admitted into Thy Heavenly Mansion.”  -Abdu’l-Bahá