Wednesday
It was my day off today and though I had 1,000 things to do I went to a funeral for a dear family friend.
It was just much more important than those 1,000 things.
JFW has been in and out of my life for as long as I’ve been on the blessed earth.
Now that he’s gone, I really miss him.
I have countless memories of a man that was truly larger than life.
The Walsh family lived across the street from us until I was about 6 years old.
Through the years we never lost touch with them and spent summer vacation’s on the Cape and endless
Saturday nights at my Mom and Dad’s camp in Boylston, singing around a blazing campfire after eating burgers, dogs and oh, so many mayonnaise-laced salads .
Life was so good back then and we didn’t even know it.
My sister and I attended the funeral today and I have to say the service was soooo John.
Believe it or not, there was laughter in the church (respectful laughter), a fitting offering to a man
that always made people laugh.
John loved cigars too and I was fortunate enough to share a few with him over the years.
(and he LOVED my cigars! they were free! Just kidding, J)
At the cemetery, after the family approached his casket and placed yellow tulips on it, I made my way
to the casket and set a Siglo VI cigar in with the tulips and placed my hand on the wood of his casket.
It was a special moment for me and a nice way to say goodbye to John.
Aterwards, my sister and me went to a gathering at a restaurant called O’Connor’s a few towns away.
After an incredible lunch, it took us well over an hour to say goodbye to a family (7 children)
that we consider ourselves to be an honorary part of.
We love you all.
Sleep well and dream of those little green apples, John
Someday I’ll be there and we will once again sing the song.
Actually, you’ll sing and I’ll play.
That’s the way you always wanted it. :o)
JFW,
May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.
May the soft winds freshen your spirit.
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.
I love that song! Haven’t heard it in a long time.
I have returned after some time, stopped by to say hi.
http://wackocrazy.blogspot.com/
¸.•*¨ƸӜƷ Starbender ƸӜƷ¨*•.¸
I’ve read this several times and each time simply cannot find the words I want, because I know there’s not really anything that can be said to make it any better.
Your words are very moving as they tend to be on these types of posts, and, as always, they have the effect leaving me somewhat tongue tied {other than dribble of course}
Know we’re thinking of not only you, but the family of your friend…please pass on our thoughts….
You have given him a beautiful tribute with your words.
I almost forgot to click on the song above. Nice. Very nice tribute, too.
How beautiful for you to have had such a special relationship with this man and his family.
Your memories of the camp are great…..you’re right, life was so great back then and we didn’t even realize that. I hope, one day, our children can say that. My aunt passed away last week and we got to reminisce about all the holidays, cookouts and Sunday family dinners. Looking through the old photos was wonderful!
I, often read your postings and feel like anonymum…..I can’t quite find the words I want to respond……your writing is so touching.
Sorry for the loss of your friend. Bless his family and friends!
Michael – That was such a fitting tribute – I love that you placed the cigar in with the tulips. (We used to make my dad go out to the garage to smoke his.)
I’m sure one day you WILL be reunited and have a grand old time singin’ and playin’ and smokin’ too!
Kat
~m: What a wonderful tribute to your dear friend. My heartfelt sympathies for your loss. I haven’t heard that song in many, many years. I had forgotten how pretty it was.
Mike,
Very kind words and thoughtful. I appreciate it. Also I enjoyed our few moments with Maureen and you at lunch.
Kevin
Oh God, that is so sweet. What a nice final gift you gave him. Ugh, I need a tissue.