John and Grandma Together Again

This morning, shortly before 9:00 a.m., Grandma (John's Mom's Mom) joined John in heaven. While heaven represents the fulfillment of the human spirit, do they have "Octadogs" there?

John's Picture

Mike and Dad were comparing notes the other day about people we have become aware of as of late who keep John's picture close at hand. What was notable was not the fact that these individuals keep John's Mass Card in all the usual places (e.g. on the refrigerator, in the pocketbook, etc.) but that so many of the people displaying John's picture in such a fashion never met him personally. And without a doubt, what was compelling for each of these individuals was not the circumstances of John's death but rather the manner in which he lived God's gift of life. Somehow, someway, without even reflecting upon it, John managed to live his day-by-day life in a manner which can serve as an inspiration to others. Like all of us, John was not a saint on earth; rather he was someone who loved life and lived it to the fullest and thus, without even trying, has proved to be an inspired example to so many others. And because of this, the ripples of John's life will continue to influence others long after the photos have faded away.

The Rock

Alex always wanted to go visit Alcatraz but no one was willing to make the boat trip with her; no one, that is, other than John. On their last trip to San Francisco this past December, John and Alex planned on visiting Alcatraz. However, they did not realize that you needed reservations so when they showed up for the boat trip, they could not get on. Thus, John and Alex planned to visit Alcatraz the next time they were in San Francisco. While that was not to be, Alex, nonetheless, made it to Alcatraz last weekend when she returned to San Francisco to visit family. That weekend, Alex, Ina and Anca made it to The Rock. And although John never made it there, Alex made certain that The Rock came to John as you can see in the below pictures.

Yet More Running With John

Continuing on the course of action he planned with his brother earlier this year, Michael ran a half marathon in Virginia Beach on Labor Day weekend. He and Gina, his one person cheering squad, proudly displayed John's image, both literally (on their shirts) and figuratively (through their dedication and gumption) for all to see. John was definitely proud of his "little" brother. Next stop for Michael (and maybe Dad, too) is the Army 10-Miler in October. You can see pictures of yet more running with John by clicking on the below image.

Yet More Running With John

Alex's Gift to John

This Past Christmas...

...was a nifty digital camera. All the pictures he ever took with the camera were still loaded when we found the camera in his condo. Included were pictures from last Christmas with Alex's family; John's and Alex's trip to San Francisco; a trip to Hoover Dam; John and Alex celebrating New Years in Las Vegas; and last but not least, the snow boarding trip to Pennsylvania that John, Alex, Michael, and Jessica took this past March. We thought family and friends would want to view the last pictures of and by John and they can be seen by clicking on the below picture. All in all, they once again affirm John's love for life, his love for Alex, and his love for his brother and sister.

Alex's Gift to John