This is my favorite photo I could find of Papa John. It completely emulates the kindness, warmth and helpfulness that was the essence of John.
When Papa John became my second dad.
Papa John looking over at baby D Christmas eve 1993
John flew up just for the weekend in order to see D in his senior play. I took Lelu and the twins to Arizona and B, D and Michelle had a very special weekend together.
No one could describe the tastiness of a meal better than he could. He LOVED and appreciated food immensely.
The little guy out front is John’s youngest grandson Colton. This sight was very touching.
B got the call the morning of October 31, 2012. John had fought until the very last heartbeat. He was not a man who wanted to go and planned and hoped to beat cancer again. His 80th birthday was the week before. It is heart wrenching to lose a loved one even when you logically know that he is happier and in a better place. We had kind of prepared the kids that the time may be coming. I waited until after school to tell them and when Lelu got in the car she asked me if Papa had passed away because she had a feeling that he did. She told me that she prayed for him the night before and dreamed that he would be okay and happier. The twins were devastated at the funeral and Ari asked me why people have to die. That’s a very hard question to answer for a ten year old. B and all of his siblings spoke. It was unanimous, they had a magical childhood with a dad that took them on adventures, watched over them and worked very hard to support them.
I called the mission home to let D know. His mission President told D he could call his dad. He called B’s cell phone, B was at work and they talked for about 25 minutes. I think it’s awesome that he was able to call him. Yet I am extremely jealous and quite upset that I didn’t get to talk to him too. I think on Christmas I might not have the Christmas spirit of sharing for about the first 25 minutes of his phone call. Doesn’t that seem fair?
My deepest condolences to B. And what a simple and beautiful tribute you have done here. Especially the pictures. The one of him looking at D instead of the camera at Christmas pretty much says it all. Blessings on you guys.
That was me above. Not “anonymous.” Love ya! PEG
Death is a hard question even for a 50 year old to answer. I have sat at what now seems like countless patients sides as they asked about death. It is still a question that is heavy in my heart. Don’t be jealous of Barton’s phone call. D needs closure with this, and being so far from home, with all of his challenges sometimes boys need their Dad. It took me years to have closure with my sisters death while on my Mission. Good job on both of your parts. What great parents, and examples you both are.
Hallo !
From us also our condolences to Barton.
It`s always hard to lost a beloved person. Our hope and consulations is, we will meet this person again in a better world in heaven. Besides, that person lives in your hearts again and again. This is a kind of immortality.
Now, Happy Birthday to the twins !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gabriel & Anne
So sorry to hear about B’s dad. He seemed like a very kind person. You honored him well.
We always enjoyed being around John who was gracious and kind. The pictures do tell a lot about his quiet, loving observation of his grandchildren. He will be missed.
We are sorry to hear about B’s dad. I’m glad he has good memories to help ease the loss. You have posted some great pictures here.