He was a good man. Quiet, thoughtful, generous, and patriotic. He loved me and his kids and grandkids, and he loved the rest of his family and his many friends. He loved this country. I think he had a good life, and accomplished many things.
He spent many years as a research chemist at Midwest Research Institute and was always very busy on projects and business trips. Many of his research studies added to the base of knowledge of water and air pollution in this country.
In 2008, he retired and we moved to New Mexico, and I think the best part of his life began. He really blossomed as a community activist, a member of the Republican Party, and was chairman of the Santa Fe Tea Party. He worked on various local and state issues. He learned to speak in public, and to testify at the State Legislature. He gave his first interview to the press on April 16, and did a good job. He was committed to working for his country until his last breath, and he did just that.
He had two grandchildren, Victoria and Alessandro, whom he adored. They brought a new dimension to his life and brought out the playful kid in him. I regret deeply that he will not see them grow up and that they have lost a grandfather.
His funeral mass was at the St. Francis Cathedral Basilica here in Santa Fe on Tuesday, May 10, followed by a military ceremony at the Santa Fe NAtional Cemetery, where he was buried.
Oh, I will miss him! We were married for 42 years, and I never dreamed his time would come so quickly to be called by God to Heaven. I envisioned many wonderful years together, growing old here in New Mexico.
I have already learned some lessons: Do not wait a moment to tell the people you love how much they mean to you and express to them the good things they have done in your life. They need to hear while they are alive what impact they have made on you and the world around them.
And remember, life can be extremely fragile. Do the things you are planning to do. Make every single day and moment special in little ways and in big ways.
Rest in peace, my beloved husband. We will see each other again.
14 comments:
So sorry sweetie. But you WILL see each other again and that is the beauty of God.
Dad changed a lot in the past 20 years, and more so in the past 5. I know he had a good life and he enjoyed the transition from work to retired. There has been no better role model in my life and a better teacher of responsibility to ones family. I think I always knew that, but even more so not that hes gone and I have begun to see exactly the legacy he left behind. What an amazing man.
Yup. We'll see him again some day.
Rest easy Dad. You were taken from us way, way too soon, but your kind acts, generosity and legacy will live on in all of us. I wont even begin to put into words what you mean to me.
I love you.
What a beautiful tribute. My heart aches for you but I know you will be ok because you are strong and because you have that hope that you WILL be with John again someday.
What a touching eulogy. I only hope that someone misses me in the same way when I'm gone and remembers me with fondness and love. I've not done much in my life to affect mankind all that much. Certainly haven't had the positive effect on my community that John seems to have had on Santa Fe. I wish I could do something to ease your loss for you Tow.
Our hearts go out to you and your family. You are in our prayers with the sure knowledge that you will see each other again.
Until then, live your life in his honor. It is the greatest gift we can give to the memory of the ones we love.
After having said "Hello" to John a hundred times when phoning Sharon about something, I had the rare privilege to finally become his friend. It was too brief. He was a great guy. Although I never thought of him in that relationship to me because he wasn't that much older than me, he had very much the same kind of personality as my late father in law—a man of few words, who spoke truth to power when he spoke. He was funny, witty, and sharp as a tack.
What a great eulogy you've written Sharon. John will be missed.
I am truly sorry. Your husband sounds like a wonderful man and that your years together were blessed. Those pics show such love for his family. I know you will miss him. May the God comfort you in this time.
This is an absolutely lovely eulogy to the love of your life.
Your certainty that you will see him again with the Lord will be the strength and light of the remainder of your years without him.
We love you. God bless you and your family.
What a wonderful tribute! I saw a portion of the interview he did online and it was evident that John was a peaceful, gentle soul. I am so sorry for your (and your family's) loss. But you are right: you WILL see him again one day but in the meantime, he will always live in your heart.
Sharon! I am so sorry for yours and your families loss. I never knew John personally but he seemed a wonderful person. I know he will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Glory in God! You will see him again! God bless you and your family.
Raymona
Sharon, that was so beautiful. I am so glad to have known John even for just a few short years. Glad too that you're my neighbor and friend. Please know that I am always here for you.
Sharon, I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss. Sounds like he was a wonderful man, I'm so glad the two of you got to spend his last few years here in New Mexico. There's not a prettier place to spend the time here on earth.
Not a minute goes by that I don't think of Dad. Not a morning arrives without that fleeting thought that it might have just been a nightmare. Not a kiss upon my children's faces fails to remind me of the kisses he gave them as their loving grandfather. Not a milestone, nor a holiday, nor a family get together, nor a trip to one of his favorite restaurants, nor a step inside his retirement dream home, nor a sunset will ever allow me to forget Dad.
Were it not for the beautiful family that he left behind, I would not walk this path so easily. I thank God for the people that I love so dearly that are helping me get through this: Mom, Brian, Katy, Carlos and my children Victoria and Alessandro. We are witnesses.
Sharon, you remained loyally and lovingly with me through my own loss. Although my challenges since have not ebbed, I have never forgotten the comfort and strength that your genuine caring had given me when I was alone and needed it so very much. I will not impose upon your sorrowed state now but please, please contact me when your are ready - even if only a big bear hug and someone to cry with is needed. Love ya, dear soul.
Post a Comment