Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)

Sending deepest sympathies and prayers of comfort for John’s family.

John and my own father were “next door residents” at the Stonebridge Health Care Center, with my own Dad having predeceased John by only a few weeks. And just like John’s daughter Susan, I would visit my father daily. Susan and I formed a strong bond, always looking in on one another’s loved one, and through this connection I came to learn that our fathers had a lot in common, the most important of which was their love of family. And I also learned of the importance of John’s faith in his daily life with Susan reading his bible lessons or other church materials to him, or his attending the church service at Stonebridge, or his listening to hymns.

From all I learned I am quite sure John and his wife, and my parents, would have found much in common. And I am sorry I did not get to know John longer, and especially when my Dad was “more mobile”, because I know Susan and I would have had our fathers “out and about” sharing the things we knew they loved, like a beautiful flower or enjoying the sun.

But I am grateful for the precious gifts that John did give me. His vibrant smile, the wave of his hand, and the strength and friendship of his daughter Susan.

Susan, I know you will grieve, and so you must, but you WILL be comforted.

Kia kaha, my friend.