A Day of Celebration!

It was 33 years ago today, almost a third of a century ago, that JW came into this world. It is truly a day of celebration -- a day in which we commemorate what was -- not mourn what might have been. Everyone who was touched by John during the 30 short years he spent on this earth was truly blessed -- most of all John's parents. We are blessed not only with the thoughts of a life well-lived, but also blessed with found memories of birthday's past.

It wasn't that long ago that we embarrassed John by showing Alex old 8mm films of his first birthday in Hillsborough, NJ with his proud parents, grandparents and aunts in attendance.

We have the memories of birthdays spent at the SkateStation and Chuck E. Cheese's in Southern Maryland. We have the memorable 14th birthday celebrated in Ireland with John's Mammy & Papa during which he was presented with a ring his father wore most of his life and before that, his father's uncle and namesake (Uncle Billy). We never did have the courage to ask John as to the status of that ring until after his death when Alex confirmed that somehow he had lost it years earlier.

While John may not have been very good with protecting keepsakes such as his grand uncle's ring, he was very good at being an extraordinarily thoughtful and loving person to family and friends alike. Let there be no doubt -- the title of this blog solely refers to the too few years we all had to know John. In the years we did have, we all came to know John for the good man that he is.

Although published earlier on this blog, included herein is a copy of the note that John's Mom & Dad included in the birthday card for his 30th (and final) birthday. It says it all -- and we are so thankful that all was said when we had the chance. (Click on letter to read).

To a life well-lived, my son -- may you continue to be an inspiration to others!