It was yesterday -- it was a lifetime ago -- it was two years ago. In many regards, time does not matter since it does not change the sense of loss. At the same time, it does not diminish the gifts that we have to include the memory of John as well as his everlasting love.
One of the things that the years bring to us all is wisdom -- and the greatest gift of wisdom which a parent can recognize is that we reach a time in our life where we begin to learn from our children.
This is Holy Week -- just as it was two years ago at this time. One of the many things we have learned from JW is that even though he did not realize that he was dying that week, he nonetheless could not have better lived the last week of his life even if he had known. And he did it not by acting out of the ordinary but rather by being his normal thoughtful, giving and loving self -- thinking of the needs of others such as Alex, his brother, his sister and his parents rather than himself. Although he had much to complain about that week, never once did he feel sorry for himself or complain of the tremendous discomfort he experienced. Instead he was concerned only about ensuring that he did not distract from the needs of others.
It is with great solace that we look back and recognize that JW's last week of life was truly a Holy Week in every sense of the word, as was the unassuming manner he which he lived his life from week-to-week. We should all be so fortunate to be able to say as much.
We are eternally grateful, son, for all the gifts you have given us and the wisdom which you imparted.
It's hard to believe it's been 2 years. I have been thinking about you a lot lately and hope that you continue to remember those wonderful times you had with John and remember that he changed lots of lives while he was here. He will always be remembered.
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