Wednesday 15 September 2010

Hello Friends,
I have not a lot to write tonight but just wanted you all to know that my dear Brother in law John died this morning peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones just as he would have wanted. He had a very quiet weekend and was pain free. We want you to know how much we have appreciated all your prayers, thoughts and good wishes during these past 10 weeks. John was a very much loved gentleman much more then he could have ever realised as has been shown by all the visits, flowers,cards, and telephone calls from all over the country. I am glad that he was able to know fully how much we all loved him. I will miss him so very much, it is hard at this time to imagine our lives without him. whatever was needing done, ask John, John will know what to do, was always the first thing we would say. When John retired almost 10 years ago it gave him more time to enjoy his hobby of woodworking. One of his friends wrote a poem to him that I am glad to say he was able to read and it says more about him than I could ever say, I have asked my sister Sarah if I can print it here and so I end my tribute to John with the following words,

MY FRIEND JOHN.
The tree stands steady, through autumn mists
The biting cold of winter and summer droughts.
Birds, insects squirrels and dormice are his friends.
His spirit is strong
Until he becomes the chosen one,
The perfect plank. Cold, spiritless, waiting.
The man stands steady through toil and turmoil,
Stress and bereavement.
The people he meets are his friends.
They tell him their troubles
He holds their hands and comforts them.
His spirit is strong.
He takes the wood from the dead tree.
And lovingly breathes life
Into the perfect shape his hands create.
The tree's spirit wakens and remembers
The man and the tree are one
Their spirits intertwine
For ever.
I know that John would always join me in reminding you all to never forget to
LOVE ONE ANOTHER

18 comments:

  1. My dear friend, my sympathies are with you. The lovely poem says so much about John's fine character; he is the kind of person that I would have very much liked to have had as a friend. I will think of you and offer prayers of comfort for the loss that you and all of those who loved him are feeling.

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  2. (((hugs to Sybs ))). I don't know what to say to comfort you, but it's always worth remembering the good times, and I am sure you have many. John is in a far better place now and free from pain. May he rest peacefully.God bless you my friend.
    Love Sal xx

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  3. Dear Sybil ,When I saw you had posted I wondered .....What a lovely poem ,that John had written for him ,speaks volumes .John has left you bodily but you will always have so many memories of a lovely man ,give my love to your sister ,and you will all be in my thoughts and prayers ...love Jan xx

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  4. Sybil,
    I am very sorry to hear of your loss, but am relieved that he is now beyond pain and suffering. I wish you and the family every strength in days, weeks and months ahead in coming to terms with John's passing. The poem is lovely.

    Guido

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  5. I'm sending my sincerest sympathies your way. That poem is a lovely tribute to a wonderful man. May the dear Lord comfort you and your sister at this time of sorrow. Lots of love and Hugs to you!

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  6. i am so sorry my dear friend. my deepest sympathies.a good man,and a lovely poem.tc love mort xx

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  7. Sybil my heart and deepest sympathies go out to you and your family at this time of loss and sorrow. ((((hugs)))) This is a beautiful poem. What a wonderful tribute from a friend who clearly loved him very much. Families are forever, a precious gift to us from a loving Heavenly Father. You will all be together again. May that thought bring you all comfort in the coming days. Love the picture of him Sybil. He looks a fine and joyful man. xxoo

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  8. Deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of of John.The poem is a wonderful tribute to a man of strength not only physical. May he rest in peace.

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  9. Dear Sybil

    My condolences to Sarah and all the family.
    I know he is going to be missed very much.
    What a fabulous happy photo of him on your HEADER!
    The poem was written beautifully and encapsulated the wonderful man he was to his family and friends.
    May God bless you all at this sad time.
    I'm sure he will carry on looking after you all from his well earned place in heaven.
    Love always
    Jeanie xxxx

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  10. Oh Sybs, I'm so very sorry to hear this, but knowing what your sister's family was going through, I can't help but be glad his pain is over and your sister can now begin to heal. Sarah was so lucky to have had John for as long as was possible, and to have you nearby to lean on when the going got so rough these last weeks. I send my love to you and Sarah, and my thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow.

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  11. Dear Sybil, I am so sorry at your loss. I send love, strength, and heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.

    Love and hugs, Beth

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  12. Dear Sybil,
    I have been away from blogging and did not read your post until today. I am sorry for your loss. It is so hard to have a dear family member taken from us. It sounds like everyone loved your John and will miss him.
    As hard as it is to say goodbye, I am sure that you are finding comfort in knowing that he is out of pain now and in a much better place. We know that in God's great plan for us that we can be together with our loved one for all eternity... however... the saying goodbye and the parting is always so hard. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. May God be with you and comfort you. Many hugs sweet friend, Lura

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  13. Sybil,

    I see your beloved BIL has gone home at last. I should have stopped by sooner to know this and to offer my sympathy and support.

    John sounds as though he was a wonderful, loving man, a rare one these days. I know that you and Sarah and all of John's other loved ones must miss him terribly.

    I know that words don't do much, but please know that I have been praying for your comfort and also for Sarah's. I truly pray you may feel the love of your Heavenly Father and know that you will one day see John again. Until then, I pray that your sweet memories of him will bless you and your sister and help to ease the missing of him.

    I am glad that you and Sarah have each other at this time for a comfort.

    Please just know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Love,
    Elizabeth

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  14. I am so sorry for your loss, and our sympathy goes to you and family members of John. Always hard to lose a loved one. Hope you'll be back to blogging more soon. Hugs from Jo

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  15. Dearest Sybil,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner to give you my condolences. I'll keep you and your family in my Prayers. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. The poem is lovely.
    xxx
    Lisa

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  16. Dear Sybil,

    Just catching up on blogs and so sorry to come across this sad news. John and all of your family has been in my prayers these last weeks and will remain so. Know that I am thinking of all of you and sending hugs and love!

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  17. Honey I am so sorry that I am just now catching up on my friends sites.
    Please know how sorry I am of the loss of your sweet brother in law John. I wish I lived closer to you so I could help you.
    Much love sent to you from me
    Maggie

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