Sunday, May 24, 2015

In Memory ...

Learning that he was failing, we drove three hours on Thursday to visit Sue's brother, Larry in the hospital. Sadly, he was not conscious, and he passed away in the wee hours on Friday.

He was a remarkable man: a retired professor in the field of education. He was a voracious reader, a deep thinker, and a gentle and kindly person. He is already missed.

This is a collage that I assembled for him as a little gift for our last trip to see him a month and a half ago. It is evident in these snapshots that Larry was very fit but was felled too early by polycythemia, which could not be tamed.


On the day of his parting, to calm our grieving spirits, we took a restorative stroll in a nearby conservation area. The woods and the blooming lilacs helped to restore our troubled souls.

Sisters, Sue and Heather, shared many happy memories.
Both life and lilacs are ephemeral but gifts to be greatly appreciated.
Tomorrow, we will journey once again to say our final goodbyes. Alas.


15 comments:

KGMom said...

Thinking of you these days. Memory provides some comfort as we grieve. May your memories be that for you.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

Ruth said...

The collage is full of life and joy and those are the memories that will sustain you and your family at this time of sorrow. The pictures of Sue and her sister are beautiful and poignant.

TexWisGirl said...

i'm so very sorry. your collage is wonderful.

Valerie - Still Riding Forward said...

Very sorry for your loss of a good man in your lives. Prayers sent for your family. Hugs for all of you. I know I'm not communicating often, but I love staying in touch with you and your family online. Your grands are getting so grown up! May your love for each other be your comfort...

Dogman said...

Well put, John.

Mara said...

My condolences to you and Sue. Hugs from across the pond.

Donna said...

Oh I'm so Sorry....there's been too much sadness as of late.
((((hugs)))

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Our condolences to you and your family, Sue and John. Losing a beloved family member is very sad and your tribute to Larry was wonderful.

Gail Dixon said...

He looks the picture of health in the collage. So sorry for your family's loss. The "restorative stroll" photo is so beautiful.

EG CameraGirl said...

Wonderful collage, a celebration of his life. Sorry for your loss, AC. Your brother-in-law is only the second person I have heard of with polycythemia. The first was my grandmother.

RVVagabond said...

From the photos in your collage your brother-in-law looks like he might have been a bit ornery and very much a fun-loving guy. My condolences to both of you. Lovely photos of Sue, as always, but especially the one of Sue and her sister.

Mage said...

I'm so very sorry. The phrase, "Lifelong learner," says it all.

Tabor said...

Your photos reveal what an interesting and full-living person he was. So sorry for your loss.

Mary said...

My sincere condolences to you and Sue in the passing of her brother.