He came into our lives. A school teacher. Mr. M followed him around like a puppy. Worshiped him. Acted like him. Wanted to be him.
He became a member of our family. The Native's uncle. A weekly jam session with Mr. M on guitar.
He came to The Native's birthdays, baptisms, ordinations. He came to our family parties. He was a part of our family.
The list goes on but my heart hurts to much to type more. I'm sorry I can't type more of a tribute to this dear friend of ours who has left this life at such a young age. A man who has left a gaping hole in not only our household's hearts but in hundreds. I think of all of the kids he's taught and who all love him......
We told The Native's that their adopted uncle is no longer with us. He is with Heavenly Father. Levi with tears running down his face: I thought he was my friend!
Levi says what we're all thinking. He's our friend. Why did he have to leave us?
We are holding each other and telling each other, "I love you". Mortality is a fragile thing......
Oh, Rachel. So sorry. Sharing your pain and loss.
ReplyDeleteMy heart and soul are so confused that I don't even know how to respond. He is such an amazing person and his loss will be felt by so many, many people.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteHow odd life is. How very odd. You will have to close your eyes and breathe through this. That's the only direction left to us - straight through. For as long as it takes. Close your eyes. The gifts have been given. Don't forget that you still hold them in your hands. Don't be greedy. These are substantial gifts - left for you.
ReplyDeleteAww, Rachel. You're making me cry again, and here I thought I'd used up all the tears. As hard as this is for me, I know it must be even more so for your guys, who were physically a part of Jason's daily fabric. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI told Gerb earlier, I just hate this distance. I wish I was there so I could wrap you all up in a big hug.
Love yall.
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ReplyDeleteOh, Rachel. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI feel so shocked. What happened?
Hugs. All I have are hugs.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful photo. A beautiful memory.
I'm so sorry.
So few make such an impact on so many in such a short time. I have just found out about Jason's passing late last night, and am still in shock. But I am glad for him... He was too good for this world. When will the tears come? I feel like a zombie.
ReplyDeleteActually, your blog post here verified the death I assumed the night before. It took about 30 seconds after commenting here for tears to come, and I'm sure there will be many more to come! Time heals all wounds though. I know it will all be OK and he is happy teaching in a better place. Thanks for your wonderful tribute, Rachel!
DeleteCorine :D
When I think the tears have dried up....... they start all over again........... :( I am grateful he is in a better place. No one/nothing can hurt him ever again.
DeleteOh Rachel I am so sorry to read this. What a special person he sounds and I so hope that all of the wonderful memories that each of you have of him will shine brightly on and help to dull the grief, confusion and sadness that has you in it's grip right now. Thinking of you and wishing I'd made the time to stop by sooner so that you knew you were in my thoughts xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your heartfelt words......... thank you.
ReplyDeleteRachel,
ReplyDeleteI just now found and read this post.
Still so hard to believe he is gone. He truly was one in a million and such a wonderful friend. When I read about Levi's reaction I can totally understand it. I too wish he hadn't left us. Mortality truly is fragile. As healing comes continue to hold and love one another. That truly is what helps us get through. You are all still in my thoughts and prayers.