It is always hard to deal with a loss in the family. Today we are mourning the loss of a wonderful man, Ralph’s brother-in-law, John, husband of sister Kathy. John was one of those people who always had a smile and could light a room just by entering. If you weren’t in a good mood, seeing John would put you in a better mood.
I’ve shown you all some examples of his amazing way with carving. In a post in 2011 at Christmas, I shared some of the beautiful pieces that John has made over the years. Each year for Christmas, everyone in the family would get a treasure, carved lovingly by him.
I showed you more of his artistic talent in June of 2012 when we celebrated his 70th birthday. John and Kathy’s home had a room on the lower level with shelf after shelf of his carvings. I took lots of photos and shared them. It’s just amazing what he was able to do.
It’s impossible to sum up a person in a photo or a few paragraphs. I’m distracted and upset and not doing John the justice he deserves.
I do believe however that I have one photo of him that for whatever reason, I feel is the essence of him.
He’s wearing a tee-shirt with his and Kathy’s photo taken on their honeymoon. We were also celebrating their 50th anniversary that day. He was about to blow out his candles and cut his cake. Not the kind of guy who liked a fuss made about him, I can just hear him saying, “Gosh, is this all about me?” Yes, John, today it is all about you. I’m a better person for having known you. I don’t think I’d get an argument from anyone on that. We’re all better people for having known you. God Bless You, John, we’ll miss you.
oh, fran, i am so sorry to hear about your family’s loss. my heart goes out to you and ralph and kathy and everyone else – please accept my condolences. that is a wonderful photo of john, and you are right, it captures personality. take care – thanks for sharing about john, and i will be thinking of you all.
Cathy, thanks so much. You are always so warm and caring and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. He was a great guy but he is at peace now with no pain an that helps to ease our loss. Take care.
Such a wonderfully sweet man. His loss will be felt by so many. Hugs
Thanks, Ele. He was exactly that, warm and loving and sweet. A real gentleman. Hugs to You!
So sorry, Fran for your loss. Please give my condolences to Ralph and his sister. You are all in my prayers!
Thanks, Donna, I really appreciate it.
Sad indeed – we’re sorry for your and Ralph’s family’s loss. “We give them back to Thee, dear Lord, who gavest them to us; yet as Thou dost not lose them in giving, so we have not lost them by their return. Not as the world giveth, givest Thou, O Lover of Souls. What Thou gavest, Thou takest not away, for what is Thine is ours always if we are Thine. And Life is eternal and Love is immortal, and death is only an horizon, and an horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.” — Rossiter Raymond
Thanks, Val. That is such a beautiful quote. Such a beautiful way to look at it.
I’m so sorry for the loss, Fran
We’re praying for you!
Thanks, Liz, always appreciated.
Oh Fran, so sorry to read this. He looks fairly young. Prayig for peace for the family.
Thanks, Mare. He was 70 but that’s young these days. Prayers are always appreciated.
I’m so sorry for your loss. He sounded like he loved and was well loved in his life on this earth.
Thanks, Katy, he was a great guy.
Oh, Fran….we’re so sorry! Please tell Ralph that we are thinking of him and praying that God will bring him comfort at this time – as well as you and the entire family.
Thanks, Judy, we really appreciate it. Love to you and Bill.
So sorry to hear about John. Praying God comforts you all during this difficult time. ((HUGS))
Thanks so much, Vicki, I really appreciate it.
I’m so sorry Fran, this post brought tears to my eyes. What a talent he was, I’ve just looked at those other posts and his work was so beautiful… that snake in particular is stunning.
Lots of love to you and Ralph and Kathy at such a horrible time xx
Eleanor, thank you so very much. He was a great man, and as I said we are all better for having known him. His talent was amazing and funny, the snake is one of my favorites too. Thanks, again.