JW isn't just 'special'.. he is 'giant-sized special' to both of us... and to many, many others that had met and know him throughout his all too short but amazingly full life.
Up until today, thoughts about John, and his lovely and loving family... his wife Cindy, and their two beautiful daughters Kady and Samantha have been bouncing around in my head, but with all going on the past week, there's not been adequate time or near enough composure to put anything in writing.
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| Samantha, Cindy, John, Kady |
What began then, and did not lessen until we got on the plane three days later and returned home to Canaan was something beyond true comprehension, unless you were fortunate enough to have been one of those present for the entire wonderful shared experience.
You see, John had a totally unique quality among people, he loved helping others so much it was what he dedicated most his entire life to doing. He knew an awful lot about most everything, especially things needing help & repair.. and he assisted folks in building and repairing most everything... themselves as well.
I came across a saying most recently.. and every time now it will come to mind when I think of John...
"When I do bad, I feel bad... and when I do good, I feel good... that is my religion."
John's full time religion and passion was doing good... helping others. It's hard in today's world to find this belief practiced to the level he took it, and we feel most blessed to have him forever a part of our lives... as his love and spirit will never separate from us.
At John's memorial service on Sunday afternoon, once the people began arriving they needed to wait patiently in line for almost forty-five minutes before they were able to say their goodbye’s to John, and offer condolences to Cindy and her family... and this remarkable line of people of all ages, from all walks of life went on for somewhat over two solid hours... John once again 'closed the joint.'
It was something absolutely astounding and marvelous to behold, as Cindy and Sam and Kady's grace, warmth, patience & strength was amazing to witness. Without doubt, John is one of a kind, but it was well evidenced there and then, life with a truly loving family is a 'full partnership' of equals in every respect.
The next day there was a gathering and celebration of John's life at a local pub in Weaverville.. the hundreds of people attending, celebrating the life of a man they all knew and loved dearly. We ate and drank, laughed & cried, and spoke about the wonderful times we all shared with John.
It was obvious from the way all spoke about John, we were all feeling the exact same emotion at the exact same time. John made people 'feel better' just by being around him.. and his life gave each of us an example how to build on ours.
I consider myself most fortunate, for I've had several individuals in my life by their example and personality have made me want to be a better person... among them, my most dear mother Josephine.. my life partner - my dearest Bernadette.. and there has been John.
September is an absolutely beautiful time of year.. I now have two dates during the month to emphasize for me how precious and fulfilling life is...
... this past 9.3 Bern and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary... and now 9.14 to celebrate the exemplary life of a dearly beloved friend.
Several of the folks in this close knit community expressed the desire to keep John's celebration of life moving forward, by each year holding some form of community event in his honor and memory. It is hoped it comes to fruition, and we will support it in whatever manner necessary to ensure its' success, and we wholeheartedly would look forward to attending.
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John had an unbridled passion for all things regarding the great outdoors..
...and he spent his final hours doing one of the things he loved most..
...mountain biking on the backwoods trails (whenever I now see this video I think of JW)
up in the mountains of western North Carolina....
up in the mountains of western North Carolina....
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You can shed tears they are gone,
or you can smile because they have lived.
or you can smile because they have lived.
You can close your eyes and pray they'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all they have left.
Your heart can be empty because you cannot see them,
or you can be full of the love you all shared together.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember them only that they are gone,
or you can cherish their memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what they would want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
